Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel Raises $1.8 Million at Red Kettle Kick-Off Event

REDLANDS, CA / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 26, 2024 / “We work with the City of Redlands side-by-side on the City’s streets to find and help unhoused individuals and families get settled into permanent housing,” said Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel Commander Major Isaias Braga.

REDLANDS, Calif.— The Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel recently held its annual Red Kettle Kick-Off Event. It raised more than $1.8 million in grants and donations to support its programs benefiting the Inland Empire’s homeless and underserved people.

The City of Redlands presented a grant for the largest amount, $1,354,487. “We work with the City of Redlands side-by-side on Redlands’ streets to find and help unhoused individuals and families get settled into permanent housing,” said Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel Major Isaias Braga. As a result, 169 people now have a permanent place to live and call home. 

The City of San Bernardino emerged as the next largest contributor, demonstrating remarkable resolve amid its fiscal challenges. In a spirit of giving, the city proudly presented a generous grant of $319,141.55 to the Salvation Army, presented by its devoted mayor, Helen Tran, City Manager and councilmember-elect Treasure Ortiz, and members of the City’s homeless outreach team. 

Stater Bros. Charities, a valued partner of the Salvation Army, has generously donated $75,000. This contribution will support vital food donation initiatives and sit-down meal programs designed for the region's underserved and under-resourced communities. Thanks to the Salvation Army’s dedicated efforts, individuals and families now have access to healthy meals that they may not have been able to afford otherwise, bringing hope and nourishment to those in need.

Additional donors included the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (last year’s largest donor), SoCalGas, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health Common Spirit, the Inland Empire Community Foundation and Walmart. Moreover, “We are very pleased to announce that individuals and organizations that attended the Red Kettle Kick-Off donated an additional $100,000 to the cause,” said Major Braga.

This marked the third year that the Red Kettle Kick-Off set a record for fundraising. The event occurred at the Bear Springs Event Center in north San Bernardino and was sold out again. “We had to scramble at the last minute to ensure we had seating for all the attendees,” said Salvation Army Program Director Naomi Goforth. 

As Thanksgiving and Christmas rapidly approach, the Salvation Army needs donations of hams, canned food, cash, checks, or gift cards to support its holiday meal programs. Donors can visit the Salvation Army’s Citadel Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands, CA 92373, or give online at SBCSVA.org.

To register to help ring the bells at a local store location, volunteer to help at the Angel Tree location in the Inland Center Mall, distribute toys and food, or serve sit-down meals, please call (909) 792-6868.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel

The Salvation Army is an evangelical branch of the Universal Christian Church that offers holistic programs without discrimination to individuals. It serves the cities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa, as well as Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and other mountain communities. 

The Salvation Army is one of the world’s largest charitable and service organizations. It has been serving San Bernardino since 1888 and supporting those in need.