CAMBRIDGE — The familiar ring of bells returns to Mid-Shore streets Thursday as the Salvation Army of Cambridge kicks off its annual Red Kettle Drive, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.
More than 75 volunteers from Dorchester, Talbot, Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties will staff kettles at high-traffic retail locations through Christmas Eve. The campaign goal for the four-county service area is $100,000.
Major David Lorenzo, corps officer for the Salvation Army of Cambridge, said the drive relies entirely on community generosity and volunteer hours.
“We have been serving the Mid-Shore for over 113 years,” Lorenzo said Wednesday. “When we see the community come alongside by volunteering and donating, it is just encouraging.”
Kettles will appear at Walmart and Food Lion stores in Cambridge, Easton, Denton and Centreville, as well as select independent businesses that have hosted stands for decades.
Troy Paul, program coordinator for the Cambridge corps, highlighted the regional spirit behind the effort.
“From Cambridge all the way up to the Bay Bridge, these folks really support their community,” Paul said. “The Eastern Shore is known for taking care of its own, and they show it especially at Christmas by ringing that bell.”
Every dollar dropped in a Mid-Shore kettle stays local. Funds support year-round programs including emergency assistance for rent and utilities, food pantry operations, summer camps for children, disaster response and holiday meals and toys for families in need.
Last year’s drive raised just over $92,000 across the four counties, and organizers hope increased volunteer participation will push the total past six figures for the first time since before the pandemic.
Individuals, civic clubs, church groups, businesses and school organizations can still sign up for two-hour bell-ringing shifts. Online registration is available through the Salvation Army of Cambridge website at sa.cambridge@uss.salvationarmy.org or by calling the corps office at 410-228-2442.
Cash, checks and credit card donations are accepted at the kettles. Many locations also display QR codes for contactless giving.
The Red Kettle Campaign traces its history to 1891 when a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco placed a crab pot at a ferry landing with a sign reading “Keep the Pot Boiling.” The concept spread nationwide and remains the organization’s signature holiday tradition.