Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign raises funds for Tucson families and children in need

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The familiar sound of ringing bells and the sight of red kettles mark the holiday season as Salvation Army volunteers collect donations for families in need.

Hundreds of volunteers wear the signature red apron and stand by red kettles every holiday season, collecting money for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. People of all ages donate their time to the effort.

Volunteer Micha Raider spends about eight hours a day ringing bells outside the Walmart in Oro Valley, alongside her daughter-in-law Lydia Raider.

“I would drop her off last year when she would come and do the bell ringing and I said man I really want to do this and she said well why don’t you do it next year and I’m now here,” Lydia Raider said.

Where donations go

When red kettles are turned i