Salvation Army Launches Red Kettle Campaign Nov. 13

The Racine campaign uses 14 red kettles in four communities to fund year-round services for county residents.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Philanthropy

Red kettle standing on a wooden tripod on a damp brick sidewalk with bare autumn trees blurred behind it. — The Salvation Army of Racine launches its 2026 Red Kettle Campaign on Nov. 13, using 14 kettles across four communities to fund county food, housing and youth programs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Salvation Army of Racine will launch its 2026 Red Kettle Campaign on Nov. 13, its largest local fundraising effort. Proceeds support food assistance, housing support and youth programs for Racine County residents.

Why it matters

The campaign funds year-round programs for individuals and families facing crises, and donations placed in the local kettles remain in the community. Donors can give at a kettle, online, by text or by mail.

The campaign operates 14 red kettles in four municipalities, and 87 cents of every dollar raised locally supports programs in Racine County. The announcement did not specify kettle locations, collection hours or a fundraising target.

The players

The Salvation Army of Racine

The local chapter of The Salvation Army, a Christian charitable organization founded in 1865 that provides social services, disaster relief and assistance programs.

The details

Community members, businesses and churches volunteer as bell ringers at the kettles. Donations can also be made through the Racine Virtual Red Kettle, by texting RACINE to 24356, or by mailing a check to 1901 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53403.

Nov. 13, 2026: The Salvation Army of Racine launches its 2026 Red Kettle Campaign.

Philanthropy Context

The Racine campaign continues the Salvation Army's red kettle tradition, a seasonal donation model the organization has used since its founding. It follows that same model with local collection points and locally retained funds.

Residents can drop a donation in a red kettle, give online through the Racine Virtual Red Kettle, text RACINE to 24356, or mail a check. Every dollar given locally funds food, housing and youth services in Racine County.

The takeaway

Local donations to the Red Kettle Campaign stay in Racine County, so giving at a kettle directly supports neighbors facing crises. Volunteers can register online to ring the bell at a kettle.