There will be no Salvation Army red kettle in Ada this holiday season, according to Kathy Reese of the Hardin County Salvation Army.

“This year with the pandemic we had to drastically change our drive,” she told The Icon.

“With our largest red kettle location closing at the end of October, which was the Kenton Kroger, and huge concern about protecting our ringers and givers, we have had to go virtual in 2020,” she said.

In place of an Ada red kettle and all county red kettles, the Hardin drive is a “virtual bells” event.

Reese said that the county Salvation Army board reconsider how best to conduct its red kettle campaign this year.

Combined with the increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases across Hardin County and Ohio caused the board to opt for ringing “virtual” red kettles this year.

Hardin's virtual kettle can be found by clicking here.

“Though our bell ringers will not be in front of places like Community Market in Ada, your local Salvation Army unit still needs to raise money to provide food, shelter, and social services for those in need in Hardin County,” said Reese.

“We partner with the Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC) organization in Kenton. When people bring their needs to Love INC it reaches out to funding organizations like the Salvation Army to help fill those needs,” Reese said.

Nearly 90% of the money raised by the Hardin County unit of the Salvation Army remains in Hardin County to help the people here. Local donation helps provide essential gifts of food, shelter, and hope to those hurting in Hardin County.

Another option to donate is via check sent to:
Salvation Army, Hardin County Ohio Unit
P. O Box 132
Kenton, OH 43326