Salvation Army Launches Red Kettle Drive in Amarillo
The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign returns to Amarillo for the 2026 holiday season, with a goal of raising $160,000.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Salvation Army has launched its Red Kettle Campaign in Amarillo, with red kettles stationed outside stores and local businesses from November until Christmas Eve. The organization is also recruiting volunteers to ring bells at kettle locations.
Why it matters
The campaign funds the Salvation Army's holiday assistance efforts in Amarillo, and the organization is aiming to exceed last year's total of $148,000.00. Volunteer bell-ringers are needed to keep kettles staffed across the city.
The Salvation Army is targeting $160,000.00 this season, up from the $148,000.00 it raised through the campaign last year. Current fundraising progress for the 2026 campaign has not yet been reported.
The players
The Salvation Army
A Christian charitable organization known for its social services and holiday fundraising through the iconic red kettle collections.
The details
Red kettles will be stationed outside various stores and local businesses in Amarillo from Monday to Saturday, beginning in early November and running until Christmas Eve. Residents can sign up to volunteer by visiting SalvationArmyVolunteer.com or calling 806-373-6631.
Timeline
The Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 in San Francisco, when a Salvation Army captain used a crab pot to collect donations.
Red kettle collection in Amarillo begins at the beginning of November 2026.
Red kettle collection in Amarillo ends on Christmas Eve 2026.
Holiday Tradition
The Red Kettle Campaign traces back to 1891, when a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco used a crab pot to collect donations. The Amarillo drive continues that tradition as an annual holiday fundraiser built on volunteer bell-ringing and in-person giving.
Residents who want to help can volunteer to ring bells at kettle locations by signing up online or by phone. Shoppers can also give directly at the red kettles outside local stores and businesses.
The takeaway
Volunteering or donating at a red kettle is a direct way to support local holiday assistance in Amarillo. Each season's total is tracked against a published goal, so participation affects whether the target is met.
What happens next
Red kettles will be stationed in Amarillo from early November through Christmas Eve 2026, with bell-ringing volunteers needed throughout that period.
Further reading
Explore more philanthropy coverage for Amarillo and beyond.
More information
Sign up to ring bells for the Salvation Army at SalvationArmyVolunteer.com.
Live Poll
Do you plan to donate to a holiday charity kettle this season?
