Bender Lumber's Red Kettle Challenge is Back with $23,100 Matching Gift to Salvation Army

Gift will double donations made to Red Kettles across Southern Indiana on November 24 & 25

BLOOMINGTON, IN (November 22, 2023) – For the fourth year in a row Bloomington-based Bender Lumber Co. is stepping up to offer a series of matching gifts that could double every dollar dropped into Salvation Army Red Kettles in eight Southern Indiana counties on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

On November 24 and 25 Bender Lumber will match dollar for dollar cash donations in all Red Kettles in each community. With the cost of living continuing to rise for Hoosier households, Bender Lumber is responding to the increased need by growing the total dollars that could be matched on this busy holiday shopping weekend. Between the eight matches, local Salvation Army programs could see up to $23,100 in additional funds for use in 2024.

Founded in Bloomington in 1931, Bender Lumber has stores in Bloomington, Martinsville, Bedford, Paoli, Madison, Columbus, Linton, and Washington. More than fifty Red Kettles in these and other nearby communities will be a part of this special match, each displaying special signs that will let shoppers know their donations could be doubled thanks to Bender Lumber's generosity. Each county has its own match amount to help secure extra funds during this critical fundraising period for The Salvation Army.

"The Salvation Army helps so many local families going through tough times," said Ben Watters, President of Bender Lumber. "Bender Lumber values serving and helping others, which also is the heart of The Salvation Army. Giving to the Red Kettle on a match day doubles your gifts to bless even more people."

Shoppers looking for a Red Kettle during the match period will be able to find bell ringers at dozens of locations, including Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger, JCPenney, IGA stores, Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, Circle K, Save-A-Lot, local malls, and many other retail locations. Anyone interested in volunteering to ring a bell this holiday season is invited to visit RegisterToRing.com and find a location, date, and time that works for their schedule. 

"This has been a hard year for many Hoosiers, and I’m inspired to see companies like Bender Lumber stand up to help their neighbors in great need," said Major Marc Johnson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. "My prayer is the generosity of Bender Lumber will inspire people to give more in the kettle, especially since their donation will make twice the impact. Every dollar dropped into a Red Kettle changes the course of lives for good and works to bring hope over despair."

Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the annual Red Kettle Campaign provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Indiana. Visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org to learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army ensure that we can Love Beyond Christmas and continue to help those in need in 2024.