GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — You might see more red kettles and bell ringers outside of stores as the Salvation Army kicks off its Red Kettle campaign Friday.

The program collected significantly fewer donations than usual last year. That led the Salvation Army to make some changes.

“Last year, although our goal was $1.7 million. Unfortunately, we were only able to raise just about $1.2 million,” Major Timothy Meyer, the Grand Valley Area commander with the Salvation Army, said. “(This year,) our goal is just slightly above $1.4 million. That’s less than it has been the last couple years. We have had to make some internal adjustments through staffing and some other things so that we can maintain the level of service that’s needed for the community.”

At the same time, the need for services has increased. The Salvation Army said demand for its food assistance program is up 400% year over year.

“I know there are many other agencies in the county and so a lot of folks have been helping in a lot of ways. It has been a challenge to keep up with that demand,” Meyer said.

There are around 30 kettle locations in Kent County where you can donate or volunteer to ring the bell. While fewer people are carrying cash, the organization is adapting and adding different ways to donate. At four of those kettles, you will be able just to tap your card or phone on a reader and it will donate a one-time set amount. You can also still put money in the kettle or there will be a QR code where you can donate online. 

Donations go to the Salvation Army’s emergency food pantry, housing and utility assistance and other programs to help those in need. Meyer said the red kettles account for around three-fourths of the organization’s fundraising for the whole year. 

“We want to make sure that the children and families know that they are loved and cared for. A lot of folks have had to make difficult decisions in this last year and finances have been very tight,” Meyer said. 

Leeah Allen knows firsthand the impact of the programs.

“I was homeless for two years,” Allen said.

She moved into her apartment in September after applying with the Salvation Army housing assistance program. She said it gave her hope.

“It gave me more, like, ‘Wow, I can do more things now.’ I can go out of my apartment and then come back not having to worry about a place to stay every night,” Allen said.

“I haven’t been back downtown in like a couple months now because why would I when I have my own place?” she said. “I feel like that Salvation Army could actually help a lot more other people if they actually want help.”

The campaign launched with a celebration on the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids Friday evening. This is the second year the organization has held this kickoff event, which features holiday favorites from the Salvation Army Grand Rapids Fulton Heights Citadel Brass Band and special performance from the Potter House Gospel Choir.  The Salvation Army plans to have the bridge glow red around dusk. There will be free coffee, hot chocolate and donuts available. The event is free and open to the public. 

“It’s a wonderful time for us to celebrate with the community and the Salvation Army’s assistance at Christmastime as well as our fundraising,” Meyer said.

While the Red Kettle campaign is ongoing, Salvation Army is also running its annual Angel Tree program. Last year, the Salvation Army said it “distributed more than 17,000 toys and gift cards to more than 4,000 children.” Sign-up for Angel Tree ends on Dec. 2. The Salvation Army will begin collecting toys from Dec. 12 to Dec. 16. You can learn more here. 

Meyer said the Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers to help ring the bells. You can learn more about the Red Kettle campaign and how to sign up to help here.