ROCHESTER’S RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN · 2026
A little jingle.
A lot of good.
This Christmas, show up for your neighbors. Give your time, make a gift, or put your business behind a kettle. Every act of kindness adds up.
A Rochester tradition. A local difference.
Greater Rochester.
Find your way to give back.
THREE WAYS. ONE COMMUNITY.GIVE A LITTLE TIME
Be the reason
a kettle keeps ringing.
A friendly smile. A ringing bell. An invitation to give. That’s how you help turn a familiar holiday tradition into support for people right here in Rochester.
Look for ringing opportunities at local businesses, including Tops, Walmart, and area malls. Browse available locations and times in the bell-ringing signup portal.
Find a shift & sign upOpens the bell-ringing signup portal in a new tab.
Choose your spot
Find a location and date that work for you in the bell-ringing signup portal.
Make it yours
Ring on your own, bring a friend, or invite your coworkers to join you.
Show up. Spread cheer.
Follow your signup instructions and get ready to welcome your neighbors.
BETTER TOGETHER
Your people.
One kettle.
A whole day of good.
Calling all workplaces, churches, clubs, families, and groups of friends: adopt a day. Choose a kettle location and take turns ringing, keeping the holiday spirit going all day long.
Our kettle coordinator will help find the right fit.
A LITTLE TEAMWORK GOES A LONG WAY
Share the day.
Multiply the joy.
For example, eight people can cover four two-hour shifts in pairs.
One group. One location. One memorable day.
An example relay, not a live schedule. Group size, hours, and location are coordinated with our team.
THIS KETTLE IS
SPONSORED BY
belongs here.ILLUSTRATIVE SPONSOR SIGN
GOOD FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS. GOOD FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
Make your business
part of the tradition.
A kettle sponsorship puts your business’s name or logo where people are already giving. It’s a meaningful way to show Rochester what you stand for.
- Recognition on a sign at a local kettle
- Visibility among holiday shoppers
- Support for Rochester-area programs and services
Contact Mike Gilbert, Director of Development, for current pricing, locations, and recognition details.
TAKE THE KETTLE WITH YOU
Big heart.
No loose change required.
Whether you’re across town or away for the holidays, you can still be part of Rochester’s season of giving.
Give to the virtual kettle
A simple way to share the spirit of Christmas.
The 2026 campaign link is being finalized.A FEW HELPFUL ANSWERS
Before you
ring, give, or sponsor.
Still have a question? We’re here to help.
Contact the kettle coordinatorDo I have to ring for a whole day?
No. Individuals can register for an available ringing shift. Adopting a day is an option for groups that want to share a full day of ringing.
How does “adopt a day” work?
Your group coordinates with our kettle team to choose a location and date, then divides the ringing hours among its members. The example above shows four pairs covering two hours each; our team can help you plan around your group’s size.
Where can I ring?
Kettles are located outside participating businesses, including Tops, Walmart, and local malls. Visit the bell-ringing signup portal for available Rochester-area locations and shifts. A location mentioned here does not guarantee an available shift.
Is sponsoring different from adopting a day?
Yes. Adopting a day is a volunteer commitment: your group takes turns ringing. Sponsoring a kettle is a financial contribution that includes business recognition on a kettle sign. You’re welcome to explore both.
What if I need help with the signup portal?
Contact our kettle coordinator, Sheila Reed, at 585-754-9918 or Sheila.Reed@use.salvationarmy.org for help finding an opportunity.