Salvation Army brings out the kettles, starts Christmas campaign two months early due to COVID-19

The familiar sounds of holiday handbells arrived early this year.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army launched its annual red kettle fundraising campaign Monday — two months earlier than the 135-year tradition usually starts.

To promote this year’s effort, titled “Rescue Christmas,” 75 kettles were placed along 18 blocks of Michigan Avenue, from Walton to Madison streets. The kettles were out for just a couple of hours Monday, and are going away until Nov. 9, but the Salvation Army is urging people to donate online in the meantime.

Since the pandemic began, requests for help to the Salvation Army in the greater Chicago area are up about 500%, said Jackie Rachev, director of communications for the Salvation Army’s Metropolitan Division.

Read more: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/9/14/21436550/salvation-army-red-kettle-two-months-early-covid-19