THE FOLLOWING IS A SALVATION ARMY DANVILLE RELEASE
At a time when the need has never been greater, long-time Salvation Army bell ringer known as Santa Larry, is calling upon the community to help bring the magic of Christmas to those who need it most in his absence
[DANVILLE, ILLINOIS] (DECEMBER 13, 2024) – As the countdown to Christmas ticks away, a beloved Salvation Army bell-ringing Santa is calling upon the community to help bring the magic of Christmas to those who need it most in Vermilion County in his absence. For over 8 years, Santa Larry has been greeting local Christmas shoppers with a joyful smile and the iconic sounds of Salvation Army bells ringing while raising critical funds to restore hope for our most vulnerable or struggling neighbors. But this Christmas, Santa Larry had to set down his bell as he faced a personal challenge of his own.
As the Salvation Army of Danville’s Love Beyond Christmas Red Kettle campaign enters its final days, volunteer bell ringers and donations are urgently needed to help the Salvation Army meet the increasing need for social services, including shelter through emergency rent and utility assistance, overcoming food insecurity through its food pantry, providing comfort and care for survivors and first responders through emergency disaster response services, and Christmas gifts for children. The Salvation Army of Danville serves approximately 13,000 people each year.
“The holiday season brings unique challenges for many in Vermilion County, but it also brings out the generosity of those who can help,” said Lt. Katherine Reid, corps officer of The Salvation Army of Danville. “As the need for donations grows more urgent in the final days of the Red Kettle Campaign, we hope the community will come out to ring a Red Kettle bell on behalf of Santa Larry. Every donation a volunteer raises at a Red Kettle, regardless of size, stays local and is a step toward lifting someone out of hardship. Your support helps bring hope and stability to those who need it most — during Christmas and throughout the year.”
Why is The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign important? While the Christmas season is a joyous time for many, skyrocketing food prices and housing insecurity have thousands of Vermilion County families and individuals struggling to put warm meals on the table, worrying about how they place children’s gifts under the tree, and uncertain about how they will afford to stay in their homes as harsh winter temperatures are approaching. The funds raised will provide critical support such as food pantries, veteran services, Christmas gifts, and rent and utilities assistance.
How can the Vermilion County community continue Santa Larry’s spirit of giving between now and December 24?
There are three immediate ways community members can help in-person or virtually:
Volunteering at a Local Red Kettle: Community members wishing to spread holiday cheer on behalf of Santa Larry and make an impact by ringing at a Red Kettle can pick a time and place that works best for them at registertoring.org.
Hosting a Virtual Red Kettle: Hosting your own Virtual Red Kettle is a fun and easy way to make a significant impact by engaging your family, friends, colleagues, and social media community to get involved by making an online donation. Signing up for your own Virtual Kettle is easy at X.
Making an Online Donation: By donating online, your gift will stay in the community associated with your zip code, so you can feel good knowing it will directly impact your neighbors in Vermilion County. When donating online at sadanville.org, you can make a one-time gift or make a recurring monthly donation.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 6,400 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
