Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – July 21, 2025 – The bells are coming back out as The Salvation Army (TSA) hosts a special “Christmas in July” Red Kettle Campaign on July 24-26 at Walmart on Highland in Jonesboro.
According to a Salvation Army of Jonesboro press release, with the theme “Need Knows No Season,” this three-day event is a reminder that our neighbors’ needs don’t take a summer break.
TSA of Jonesboro Captain Charles Smith said while many associate The Salvation Army with the holidays, they are here year-round to help those facing crisis.
“In the summer months, families are especially vulnerable, with children home from school and food needs increasing,” Smith said.
The Salvation Army does have a national partnership with the Walmart stores headquarters, Smith noted, adding that Christmas in July was something that’s going to be tried throughout the whole United States with The Salvation Army and certain Walmart locations.
“The Walmart on Highland here in Jonesboro has graciously allowed us to put up our stands and signs there,” Smith said. “And we actually have signs that say Christmas in July, which will have a QR code on it in case people don’t have cash.”
Beginning this Thursday, he said ringers, some dressed in Hawaiian attire, will be stationed at both doors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the event.
“We’re doing this because this time of year, we tend to take it for granted that the kids are out of school, but some families still struggle,” Smith said. “And even though there’s feeding programs at certain schools, some families still struggle. So, this is to help people with groceries, help people with hygiene packs and hygiene kits throughout the next few months.”
According to the press release, summer can be especially tough for those already facing difficulties. Many families live paycheck to paycheck and are just one unexpected event away from hardship. Utility shutoffs, food insecurity, and housing instability remain serious concerns, even on sunny days.
However, “Christmas in July” will directly support local families in Jonesboro with emergency groceries, basic needs, and services.
“As far as the goal, we really don’t have a goal right now. We just want to see how it does,” said Smith. Depending on how it goes, he said they would like to make it a yearly event. “We don’t know yet how it’s going to look and what kind of support we will get this year, but we definitely encourage people to give,” Smith said, noting that all money raised will go back right to Jonesboro. “It doesn’t go anywhere else and so that’s a great thing because that’s how we keep going throughout the year is through people giving, and, just like every year, the summer months are our lean months, so it gets us in a tight crunch before November, when we do officially kick off for Christmas.”
Smith also noted that they still need volunteers as well, having already reached out to some schools and organizations such as the Rotary Club.
“Every gift, no matter how small, helps bring hope to someone in need,” Smith said.
To learn more or get involved, please call Captain Smith at (870) 932-3785 or email Charles.Smith@uss.salvationarmy.org to schedule an appointment at The Salvation Army’s office located at 800 Cate Avenue; or visit www.salvationarmyjonesboro.org.
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org or follow them on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.