Thanks to those who filled the last minute gap to provide the final 300 gifts for children in the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
In all, 2,200 kids are receiving presents.
Meantime, Red Kettle stations are still posted around Bryan and College Station. Volunteers can sign up for bell ringing shifts through Christmas Eve. And online donations can still be made to the virtual red kettle.
Original story December 4, 2025:
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army reports at the midway point of their holiday campaign that contributions are going slowly.
Captain Luis Villanueva tells WTAW News Red Kettle collections currently total $30,000 dollars, far below the $200,000 dollar goal.
Money from Red Kettle collections go towards food assistance, emergency social services, youth programs, and year-round support for local families.
Volunteers are still being recruited to ring bells at Red Kettle locations.
And there are still children to be adopted in the Angel Tree gift program, which will benefit 2,200 local children. Get a tag from Angel Tree locations which includes Blue Baker restaurants in College Station and the lobby of the Guaranty Bank building where Bryan Broadcasting is located.
Villanueva says they have been distributing remaining angels to our store and other community partners—including H-E-B, Walmart, Whataburger, several financial institutions, and local churches.
News release from the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army:
The Christmas season is in full swing and for The Salvation Army that means organizing red kettles, coordinating bell ringers each day, and collecting thousands of gifts for the Angel Tree program. Unfortunately, the 2025 Red Kettle campaign is off to a slow start in Brazos County and is falling behind the established goal for the season. The Salvation Army is appealing for donations, and volunteers to ring the bells and support the iconic and long-standing fundraising campaign.
“The Red Kettle program is one of the oldest fundraising campaigns of its kind, dating way back to 1891 and is The Salvation Army’s major fundraiser of the year,” said Captain Luis Villanueva, of The Salvation Army in Bryan/College Station. “The bills, coins, checks, and digital donations received at the kettle make it possible for us to provide assistance to the community during the year. That means giving food boxes to those struggling to put meals on the table, clothing for individuals in need, and hope to those who want to make a change in their life and improve their current situation. You can be part of Doing the Most Good in Brazos County by making a donation today, or volunteering to ring the bell.”
The Salvation Army bells will continue to ring outside stores through Christmas Eve, and the organization is optimistic that with the community’s support it can still reach its fundraising goal. “The generosity of our amazing community is always a blessing to witness first-hand. The Salvation Army is so grateful, and we want you all to know that every dollar helps!” said Villanueva. “The money raised in our Red Kettle campaign stays right here.”
It’s easier than ever to sign up as a volunteer bell ringer. Go to www.RegisterToRing.com, enter your city (Bryan/College Station), select a day, time, and location, and you’re ready to ring! Volunteer bell ringer shifts are available now through December 24.
“Come spend some time volunteering and make a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals this holiday season and beyond,” said Villanueva. “We have volunteer opportunities tailored just for you, whether you can spare just a couple of hours, a morning, or even a full day, and come as an individual, family, or group. If you’ve never volunteered as a bell ringer, come give it a try. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll have a great time interacting with those you meet while making a real difference and giving back.”
As a reminder, all Angel Tree gifts should be returned by December 13. The Salvation Army staff and volunteers will then prepare the gifts for more than 2,200 children, ahead of the Angel Tree distribution days on December 17-18.
“The community has already shown tremendous generosity and compassion by adopting many of the children registered on The Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Thank you!” said Villanueva. “Angel Tree distribution day is one of my favorite days of the year! More than 2,200 children in need are going to experience the magic and love of Christmas thanks to the support of so many individuals, families, and businesses.”
There are many ongoing opportunities to volunteer and get involved at The Salvation Army this Christmas season. Please call us at 979-361-0618, visit 2506 Cavitt St. or go to www.salvationarmybcs.org to donate or find out how you can support The Salvation Army in Brazos County.