The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign reminds us that the season of giving is not over just yet. Charles DeJesus, the soldier in charge at the Erie Temple, has been raising money and playing his horn for the Salvation Army for over 25 years. He knows firsthand the impact a small donation can have on someone's life.

"Grateful for all the help and support and gifts throughout the year, as we support feeding programs, youth character-building programs, and music programs. Of course, the Red Kettle helped fund a music program for me in my hometown, and that is how I started playing," said Charles DeJesus.

Charles highlights this 140-year tradition as a vital source of support for those in need, sharing data on the number of individuals helped from last year’s kettle campaign.

"As we helped almost 18,000 individuals in 2024 alone, we do that with a $1.1 million budget, and what it does for every community throughout every zip code in the United States," said Charles DeJesus.

Despite lower donations this year, a donor stepped in to match Monday's $5,000 total, doubling the impact.