Red kettle holiday campaign raises $5,000

During the months of November and December, 50 businesses in Clatskanie and Rainier participated in a fundraising campaign to support the Salvation Army’s local voucher program. The program provides emergency financial relief for area residents. Each business hosted a counter kettle and encouraged donations throughout the holiday season. This effort was in addition to annual bell-ringing activities, which has typically been the sole source of donations to fund the program on a yearly basis.

The Clatskanie and Rainier Chambers of Commerce led this effort alongside Turning Point in Clastskanie, HOPE of Rainier, and Salvation Army Western Cascades Division. Counter kettle donations helped drive more than $2,400. An additional $2,600 was raised through bell-ringing efforts in front of Grocery Outlet in Rainier and Safeway in Clatskanie. Final totals are still being determined, as remaining counter kettle donations are deposited.

A big ‘thank you’ goes out to all who supported this year's “Change for Change” program. Through the efforts of Kelly Miller, Debbie Eastland, Sheila McLane, and many others - as well as the support of both the Rainier and Clatskanie Chambers of Commerce - the communities of Northern Columbia County responded with “remarkable generosity,” according to Kelly Nolan, who represents the Salvation Army Service Extension Field’s Cascade West Division. “Their donations placed into the red counter kettles will enable The Salvation Army to continue providing vital assistance to neighbors in need throughout the year,” said Nolan.

In 2024, bell-ringing efforts brought in $1,750 to fund requests for the 2025 calendar year. The red counter kettle campaign will return for one month this summer for “Christmas in July” to raise additional funds to be applied to the second half of 2026. Area residents interested in donating directly to the local voucher program throughout the year can add a memo for funds to be directed to the Clatskanie or Rainier service extension.

“On behalf of Turning Point and HOPE of Rainier, I would like to thank the Rainier and Clatskanie chambers for supporting our new 'Change for Change’ campaign, which coincides with our yearly bell-ringing campaign for Salvation Army,” said Executive Director of Turning Point and HOPE of Rainier Kelly Miller. “Also, thank you to the wonderful community volunteers and businesses who stepped up to the plate in making this such a success. That funding will help so many individuals and families in need in the 2026 year.”