The Salvation Army of Madison County Announces 2026 Red Kettle Campaign Chairs
Dennis and Karen Wilson lead 2026 Red Kettle Campaign.
MADISON COUNTY – The Salvation Army Madison County’s Advisory Board Chairman Mark Cousley is proud to announce that Dennis and Karen Wilson will chair the 2026 Red Kettle Campaign.
The Wilsons have a history of raising funds for non-profits in the community, including ringing bells for The Salvation Army with the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club each year. “We understand the struggle is real,” said Karen. “We hope we can make a difference and look forward to the campaign, sharing our connections and meeting new people.”
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Dennis, who retired from Phillips 66 in 2016, is no stranger to the kickoff of the Red Kettle Campaign. As a member of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club, he has been involved in raising the tree at Lincoln Douglas Square for many years. He is also a charter member of the Great Rivers Choral Society, and the group will be singing Christmas carols at the tree lighting this year.
Karen, a former teacher and administrator for the Alton School District, retired from State Farm in 2025, and continues to stay active in the community as President of Pride, Inc.; Vice-President of the Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation; board member of Asbury Senior Living and the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council; and past chair of the RiverBend Growth Association.
Karen added that her appreciation of The Salvation Army began many years ago when her grandmother shared the experiences of her grandfather while he was serving in World War I. He often praised the efforts of The Salvation Army volunteers because they came to the front lines during battle, delivering coffee, blankets, and other supplies at no charge and with great love.
“I never met my grandfather, but I will always remember his admiration of The Salvation Army,” said Karen.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the needs of our community over the last few years,” said Major Cassy Grey of The Salvation Army. “The increase in individuals and families experiencing food insecurity continues to rise, as well as those who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused.”
“As we embark on this year’s campaign, we want to express our gratitude for the generosity of the community and the dedication of our previous chairs, including Zeke and Joyce Jabusch, who chaired the campaign in 2025.” Major Grey added, “This year, under the leadership of Dennis and Karen Wilson, we’re confident that our amazing community will continue to wrap around our neighbors in need.”
In 2025, the Red Kettle Campaign provided Christmas baskets to 680 families, financial assistance to 370 households, and Christmas gifts to 1200 area children. By helping our neighbors during the holiday season, we give hope to families who are struggling.
The 2026 Campaign goal is $430,000.
The 2026 Red Kettle Campaign takes place at participating area businesses from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. The Salvation Army would like to extend a special thank you to Schnucks for their Round Up at the Register for the two weeks prior to Thanksgiving.
If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up to ring bells at salarmy.us/midvolunteer. Shifts are available from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. An estimated 1,500 volunteers are needed to cover all the shifts and locations in Madison County. Your help provides food, gifts, and other essential items to those in need during the holiday season and throughout the year.
If you are struggling and need help, please contact The Salvation Army at (618) 465-7764.
For media inquiries, please contact Major Cassy Grey at (701) 955-4556 or cassondra.grey@usc.salvationarmy.org.
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