Pennsylvania Realtors® Ring for Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Braving the chilly weather, Realtors® from 18 local associations were visible ringing the bell across the commonwealth to benefit the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign.

The Salvation Army started its Red Kettle campaign in 1891. It’s grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable events in Pennsylvania and the nation. Money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign stays in the community to help those in need, providing food, shelter and social services to nearly 23 million Americans in need. The idea of Realtors® ringing bells for the Salvation Army on the first Friday in December was initiated by a Realtor® in North Dakota and it has spread throughout the country.

“Realtors® are incredibly charitable and giving of their time,” said PAR President Bill McFalls Jr. “I’m so proud of the work that our members do in their communities throughout the year to help those in need. Their efforts are especially appreciated during the holiday season.”

Fifteen Realtors® from the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh were ringing bells at several locations throughout the city. Realtor® Nancy Wright said this was her first time volunteering to ring the bell. “We had a blast,” she said. “The public was so receptive and generous. In the past, RAMP has raised funds for the Salvation Army, but this was extremely gratifying. This time of year, the funds are used to purchase coats, gloves, hats and boots for needy children and adults. In the past, Realtor® Suzanne Gruneberg and I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with some of these children, assisting them in picking out their winter outfits. Knowing that what we were doing has such positive, heart-warming results made our time ‘ringing the bell’ more than worthwhile.”

Volunteers from the Lebanon County Association of Realtors® participated in the Red Kettle campaign as well. LCAR Treasurer Stephanie Vega said, “I started participating in Ring Day three years ago with my friend, Courtney. It’s become our annual tradition. We love seeing all the holiday spirit and are genuinely moved by how people give with such open hearts and smiles. It’s one of my favorite days of the year!”

Reading-Berks Association of Realtors® had about 10 volunteers for ring day including RBAR President Mark Mohn. “The main reason I assisted with Ring Day is simple: It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “Helping groups that do such amazing work in the community is a fundamental cause for my family, and I’m glad to be part of the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors®, who shares that same cause. It was a pleasure to see so many people in the community who were willing to help out as well!”

“We are grateful to the members of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® for teaming up with us to participate in the Salvation Army’s Ring Day for Realtors®. Your efforts will make change and bring joy to individuals and families this holiday season,” said Major Edgar George Jr., general secretary for the Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

As Americans move toward a cashless society, the Salvation Army is adapting to the changing landscape by making it simpler to donate online or digitally at participating Red Kettles with Apple Pay or Google Pay, in addition to dropping in change.

Realtors® from the following local associations volunteered to ring for the Salvation Army:

Allegheny Highland Association
Beaver County Association
Butler County Association
Central Susquehanna Valley Board
Fayette Board
Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors®
Greater Mercer County Association
Huntingdon County Board
Lebanon County Association
Luzerne County Association
McKean County Association
Reading-Berks Association
Realtors® of Metro. Pittsburgh
Realtors® of Westmoreland, Indiana and Mon Valley
Schuylkill County Board
Warren County Board
West Branch Valley Association
Westmoreland West Association