Kurt Nelson, chairperson of the Fall River Salvation Army advisory board, opened a kickoff event and asked residents to support the Salvation Army’s month-long red‑kettle campaign, saying, "please come out and support the Salvation Army where every dollar raised stays local."

Captain Sirgo Lalaine, identified in the program as the commander for the Fall River Salvation Army, thanked the advisory board and donors and urged continued generosity across greater Fall River and Bristol County, saying the organization’s food pantry, soup kitchen and children’s programs depend on local support. "We really appreciate it," he said.

A speaker who identified themselves as a volunteer emphasized the need for people to staff kettles, noting that without volunteers the group would have to pay staff to man collection sites and that volunteering can effectively multiply donations. Organizers said kettles will be placed Monday through Saturday at Market Basket, Walmart and other local retailers over the next month.

A Rotarian at the event said local Rotarians will staff both doors at the Swansea Walmart on Saturday, and encouraged families to bring children and enjoy portable music. Another speaker who gave only a first name, Jerica, invited community leaders, educators and other residents to "stand with us by the red kettle" and learn about the Salvation Army’s history and support for scholarships.

At the close of the event Nelson noted the organization’s stated 140th year of serving Fall River, thanked retailers that host kettles — named at the event as Market Basket, Shaw’s, Stop & Shop and Walmart — and wished attendees happy holidays. The group reiterated a request for both donations and volunteers to staff kettles during the campaign.