HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army in Hutchinson is preparing for another busy holiday season, announcing its 2026 honorary Christmas chairs as the organization works to meet continued demand for assistance throughout Reno County.
Major Paul James announced that Angie and Keith Zwickl will serve as this year's honorary Christmas chairs, helping promote the organization's annual Red Kettle Campaign and encouraging community support during November and December.
The couple previously served as campaign chairs for the United Way of Reno County in 2025.
"Major Paul asked if it was something Keith and I would be interested in doing this year, and we were quite honored by that ask," Angie Zwickl said. "So to be asked to be a part of something in our community again this year was quite an honor."
Keith Zwickl said he is looking forward to getting involved with the organization's bell-ringing efforts.
"Super excited to be out in the public and ringing some bells and helping raise some dollars for the Salvation Army," he said. "It's a great, a great establishment to raise money for."
James said approximately 400 families are expected to be registered for holiday assistance programs as applications continue to be processed.
While the number of families seeking assistance has fluctuated in recent years, James said the overall demand has remained considerably higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have a lot of families that have never had to have help before," James said. "I think a lot of that is the cost of living."
He said some families are turning to the organization for the first time as they struggle to navigate rising household expenses.
However, James said one of the most rewarding parts of the organization's work is seeing former recipients return to help others.
"You meet a lot of the families that have been helped in the past," James said, explaining that some return to volunteer or contribute financially after receiving assistance themselves.
Angie Zwickl said the number of families seeking assistance underscores the importance of community participation.
"I think if everybody can do their part and chip in, whether it's volunteering your time by ringing a bell or donating dollars as you see those bell ringers out in the cold, you know everybody doing their part is going to make a difference for those 400 plus families," she said.
The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign will begin at select locations Nov. 14, including Walmart, before expanding to all participating locations Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving.
The organization's annual Red Kettle kickoff celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, at Avenue A and Main Street in downtown Hutchinson.
James said volunteers are essential to the success of the campaign, with two-hour bell-ringing shifts available throughout the holiday season.
Residents can register at salvationarmyvolunteer.org by entering their ZIP code and selecting an available location and time.
The organization is also partnering with Westfall Jewelers for its annual "Ring for a Bling" promotion. James said six jewelry prizes will be available this year, offering additional incentives for volunteers.
The Salvation Army is also partnering with KWBW Radio for the 33rd annual Project Concern fundraiser, which began Monday. The campaign raises money to help provide Thanksgiving meals to Reno County residents in need.
Keith Zwickl said he believes the community will continue its tradition of helping neighbors facing difficult circumstances.
"In a community like Reno County, I've spent most of my life here," he said. "It seems like that's the one thing that this community is really good at is rallying together and helping their fellow residents get through tough times."
James said the Salvation Army's holiday efforts would not be possible without that continued support.
For more information about volunteering or supporting the Salvation Army, call 620-663-3353.