Decatur Salvation Army Launches Festive Holiday Campaign with Kettle Bells and Community Spirit

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DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — With Christmas fast approaching, the Salvation Army in Decatur is gearing up for the season by launching their annual holiday campaign with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday.

The sight of bell ringers and their iconic red kettles has become a hallmark of the festive period outside local businesses. According to Major Susan Summit of Decatur’s Salvation Army, these efforts are vital, as the holiday campaign generates over a third of their yearly funds.

Additionally, the funds collected aren’t just for holiday support; they play a crucial role in providing meals and gifts to families in need during the festive period and enable the organization to extend its assistance throughout the year.

With more than 40 Christmas seasons under her belt, Summit, a longstanding member of the Salvation Army, expresses deep appreciation for the community’s continued support.

“It means to me that we are able to offer hope to families in need and offer it with joy. It’s my 42nd Christmas, and so it never gets old. I’m going to cry, because the gratitude that the families show, we wouldn’t be able to do anything without the Christmas community fund, and it warms my heart every time I see it,” Summit said.

She also added that this year’s theme is Give with Joy. There will be kettles and bell ringers all around Decatur starting this Friday.