The bells are about to start ringing. On Sunday, Nov. 15, the Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge holds its Annual Red Kettle Kickoff at Perkins Rowe, and it's free for everyone.

What Happens at the Kickoff

The event runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Christmas tree at Perkins Rowe, 10000 Perkins Rowe.

Meet the local leaders. Sergeants Tyrone and June Rogers will be there to talk about how people can help this season.

Cheer the champs. The City of Central, which won the 2025 Battle of the Bells, will be honored as the friendly competition starts again.

Be first. Guests can drop the first dollar of the season into the red kettle and adopt the first Angel from the Angel Tree.

Warm up. There will be festive music and hot chocolate.

The Salvation Army says every dollar raised locally supports its Center of Hope emergency shelter, recovery programs, youth and family services, and neighbors in need across Greater Baton Rouge.

How the Angel Tree Works

Schools and social service agencies connect families with the Salvation Army. Families share their children's names and gift wishes, and each child becomes an Angel tag on a tree at a local business, church or community partner.

You choose a tag, shop for the gifts and bring them back to the tree site by the date printed on the tag. The gifts go to the Christmas Distribution Center, and families pick them up in the days before Christmas Eve.

If you can't get to a tree, you can adopt through the Greater Baton Rouge Online Angel Tree. It also has a map of tree locations around the area.

A Little History

The Angel Tree began in 1979, when Salvation Army Majors Charles and Shirley White worked with a Lynchburg, Virginia, mall to collect clothing and toys for local children. More than 700 children were helped that first year.

Bring the kids to Perkins Rowe on the 15th and let them drop in that first dollar.