![\"allen-city-councilwoman-amy-gnadt\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/allen-city-councilwoman-amy-gnadt.JPG;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: Salvation Army of North Texas <\/p>\n
Local elected officials across North Texas stepped behind the red kettles this weekend, turning holiday shopping stops into small acts of giving as part of The Salvation Army of North Texas\u2019 annual Mayoral Red Kettle Challenge.<\/p>\n
The fundraising effort, held Dec. 13, invites mayors, city council members and other elected officials to raise funds through in-person bell ringing and online donations, all benefiting The Salvation Army\u2019s operations in their home communities. The friendly competition rewards the official who raises the most money, though every dollar stays local.<\/p>\n
\nPhoto: Salvation Army of North Texas
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Collin County Leaders Join the Effort<\/p>\n
In Collin County, several familiar faces took part:<\/p>\n
\n\tProsper Mayor David Bristol rang bells at the Kroger on North Preston Road
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\n\tAllen Mayor Baine Brooks participated at the Market Street on West Bethany Drive
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\n\tPlano City Council Member Rick Horne joined the challenge in Plano
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Residents could support their preferred official by donating directly at the kettle or contributing through a designated virtual kettle online.<\/p>\n
Why The Challenge Matters This Year<\/p>\n
The timing carries weight. According to Feeding America\u2019s most recent Map the Meal Gap<\/a> report, North Texas ranks third in the country for the highest number of people facing food insecurity, at 15.7%. Healthy North Texas<\/a> reports that 10.6%of residents live below the poverty line, while housing costs consume more than half of household income for a median of 12% of families.<\/p>\n Homelessness also remains a pressing concern. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count<\/a> found 3,500 people experiencing homelessness in Dallas and Collin counties and about 2,600 in Tarrant County.<\/p>\n \u201cThe annual Mayoral Red Kettle Challenge is a fun and exciting way for the entire North Texas community to get involved in one of our most important fundraisers,\u201d said Major Rob Webb, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas, in an official statement. \u201cWe have seen the need to continue to rise amongst our North Texas neighbors this year, and we are grateful for the support that sustains the services we provide year-round.\u201d<\/p>\n A Region-Wide Show Of Support<\/p>\n More than 35 elected officials across Dallas, Denton, Collin, Tarrant and Ellis counties participated this year, ringing bells at grocery stores, big-box retailers and community centers. Others had already completed their shifts earlier in the season, including mayors from McKinney, Little Elm, Aubrey and Fort Worth.<\/p>\n Funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign support a wide range of services, including shelter, meals, addiction recovery programs, youth initiatives, inclement weather assistance and disaster response, according to The Salvation Army.<\/p>\n How To Get Involved<\/p>\n Community members can still support the effort by donating online, hosting a virtual red kettle or registering to bell ring at a local retailer. More information is available at SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org\/Christmas<\/a>.<\/p>\n As shoppers passed by this weekend, the message was simple and seasonal: a small donation, dropped into a red kettle, can help meet big needs close to home.<\/p>\n![\"prosper-mayor-david-bristol\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/prosper-mayor-david-bristol.JPG;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: Salvation Army of North Texas
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