Carson City, NV – The Salvation Army is sad to announce that a group of high school volunteer bellringers raising funds for The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign were stolen from Wednesday evening in Carson City.
The theft happened at the Walmart located at 3770 US-395, near Stewart. The theft, occurring just after 5:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, happened as one of the students stepped inside, momentarily leaving the kettle unattended.
Walmart is reviewing security camera footage and a police report has been filed.
“It’s such a shame anytime donations that are meant to help people in need are stolen, but I also think that speaks to the incredible need some of our communities are facing right now,” said Major John Brackenbury, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Northern California & Nevada. “We want to encourage the community to pray for those who felt compelled to steal this kettle, and to help support those in need if you are able.”
The students, who are all minors, are members of the ROTC at Carson City High School. They have been volunteering every night this week, and plan to continue volunteering next week.
Red Kettle donations fund Salvation Army programs year-round. With funding like that in 2023, The Salvation Army in Carson City was able to provide 44,038 meals, 2,027 clothing and comfort kits, and 2,223 toys for children for Christmas.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has actively served Northern Nevada since 1885. Our Corps Centers are located in Reno and Carson City, with service extension areas allowing us to allocate services across the entire Northern Nevada footprint. Our programs vary from one community to the next, targeting the specific needs of each area. Our emergency assistance programs are intended to meet the immediate needs of struggling people by providing food and shelter, disaster relief, workforce development, and other programs while guiding them to long-term self-sufficiency. The mission of The Salvation Army is to meet human need without discrimination wherever it exists. In 2023, The Salvation Army provided 464,959 meals, 26,164 nights of shelter, and 9,988 articles of clothing and comfort kits throughout Northern Nevada.
