The familiar Salvation Army bell ringing and red kettles will still be at stores this year, although at fewer locations.
Salvation Army Kona Corps Lt. Raghel Santiago said there will only be three Red Kettle sites in Kona to make in-person donations this year even though the need is greater than ever amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that’s strangled the local economy, putting thousands out of work.
KTA Super Stores in Kailua-Kona and Keauhou along with the Kona Walmart will be the only locations hosting the annual Red Kettle Campaign in Kona, and volunteer bell ringers are still needed.
“Last year, we raised $64,000,” she said. “Prior to COVID we used to give out 90 to 120 bags of food a week. Since COVID hit we have been giving out about 560 bags each week. Our kettle drive will help us to continue and sustain this program.”
Santiago said the owner of the Kona Tiki Hotel has offered a matching donation up to $25,000 so the Salvation Army can meet its kettle goal this year “because he knows that there is a greater need this year more than ever before.”
In Hilo, four kettles will be running this holiday season, said Corps Officer Hilo Temple Lt. Danielle Bratton. Counter top kettles have also been set up throughout Hilo, including at Homestreet Bank in downtown Hilo.
“We will be ringing at Macy’s starting Friday on the Puainako side, and we are already ringing at KTA downtown, KTA Puainako and Walmart main entrance,” said Corps Officer Hilo Temple Lt. Danielle Bratton.
In North Hawaii, volunteers with red kettles will be stationed at five locations spanning the Hamakua, North Kohala and South Kohala districts, said Gary Todd, ministry leader for The Salvation Army’s Honokaa Corps.
Red kettles will be set up at Malama Market in Honokaa, Ace Hardware and KTA Super Stores in Waimea, K. Takata Store in Kapaau and KTA Super Stores in Waikoloa, he said.
No amount of donation is too small, because it all adds up and helps to fund food drops, Christmas for the less fortunate and other programs.
“We have had so many people inquiring about Christmas this year,” said Santiago, adding applications are piling up in Kona. “We are still helping with children from newborn to 17 and also give gifts to the kupuna and those with special needs.”
In previous years, the organization has been able to be generous with their gifts, providing two to three gifts per child, but with the surge in demand, depending on donations, they are looking at one toy and one stocking stuffer.
“They understand and are just thankful for anything. They don’t want to rob the child, especially the ones who get gifts from Santa,” she said.
Donations can also be made via the Salvation Army’s Virtual Red Kettles, which was launched back in September for each island community, including Kona/West Hawaii, Honokaa/North Hawaii and Hilo/East Hawaii.
As of Wednesday, Kona/West Hawaii’s Virtual Red Kettle was nearing $6,200, Hilo/East Hawaii was at $314 and Honokaa/North Hawaii’s had yet to receive an online donation. For more information, visit https://hawaii.salvationarmy.org/hawaii/redkettle.
In addition to donating at the Red Kettle sites, checks can be mailed directly to the nonprofit’s three island corps.
The Salvation Army’s Honokaa Corps address is 45-511 Rickard Pl., Honokaa, HI 96727. The Salvation Army’s Hilo Corps address is 219 Ponohawai St., Hilo, HI 96720. The Salvation Army Kona Corps address is 75-223 Kalani St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.
Santiago requested West Hawaii donors mark the memo “Kettle Kick-off” so any donations can be counted toward the matching grant by Kona Tiki Hotel.
“I have to believe there are guardian angels out there to bless us,” said Santiago.
