(Seguin) – The Seguin Unit Salvation Army’s 2024 Kettle Campaign has not only gone digital, but it is offering all sorts of new ways to give back. In addition to still being able to drop your loose change inside one of the red shiny kettles outside the store, folks in Seguin are being given new options in which to donate. This year’s ringing of the kettle bells can be found outside the doors of Seguin’s Walmart Store and Walgreens.
Salvation Army Volunteer Liz Hilsdorf says the local non-profit organization is excited about being able to collect from those who are cashless.
“One of the things that we do have this year is that you can collect if you are cashless. We have a QR code now that you will be able to use and be able to give directly to our unit. Every cent that we get and use from the bucket stays 100 percent in Guadalupe County – every penny. So they will be able to just scan that code and be able to give it directly to us and then people can also write a check and they’ll get a tax deduction for that,” said Hilsdorf.
Again, folks can donate digitally via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Individuals can also donate by texting the word KETTLE to 53555.
Other options include donating cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum or by donating via the group’s website available at SalvationArmyUSA.org.
All donors are also reminded to enter the 78155-zip code if prompted or to ensure that donations (especially check donations) are made directly to the Seguin Service Unit of the Salvation Army so that funds can be applied locally.
The Salvation Army works year-round to help residents with emergency-based funds. Examples include utilities, rent or even travel expenses such as needing a bus ticket to visit someone out of state who is sick or dying.
Volunteer Tom Jones says it’s already amazing what the holiday campaign can pull in with just the kettles. He says now, the sky’s the limit as to what folks can give straight off their phone or other digital device.
“Seguin in my opinion is one of the most generous communities that I’ve ever seen. To think that we can collect over $40,000 in little red buckets at the door of a shopping center is incredible and yet, this year, we are going to extend ourselves even to Walgreens,” said Jones. “It’s incredible what Seguin and Guadalupe County as a whole can provide.”
This year’s Kettle Campaign runs each day through Christmas Eve. Those wishing to volunteer to ring the bell are asked to call 830-4014872 or stop by the local office at 1201 W. Court St.