Salvation Army Kettles Featured in Game for the Kansas City Chiefs

During the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 16 holiday matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals— a game that doubled as the team’s annual “Community Game” — the Chiefs and the Salvation Army joined forces to highlight the iconic red kettles, turning Arrowhead Stadium into a hub for holiday giving. The collaboration, now in its 12th year, aimed to raise funds and awareness for the Salvation Army’s holiday initiatives, which provide meals, toys, and shelter to families in need across the Kansas City metro area. From kettle stations staffed by Chiefs players and cheerleaders to in-game fundraisers and a special halftime tribute, the day was designed to blend the excitement of Chiefs football with the spirit of giving. Salvation Army Kettles Featured in Game for the Kansas City Chiefs explores the details of this longstanding partnership, the in-stadium activations that brought fans together, and the impact of the day’s efforts on local communities.

Salvation Army Kettles Featured in Game for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the history of the Chiefs-Salvation Army partnership and its holiday focus. The Chiefs first teamed up with the Salvation Army in 2012 to launch a game-day kettle campaign, recognizing that Arrowhead Stadium’s 70,000+ fans presented a unique opportunity to drive donations during the critical holiday season. Over the years, the partnership has grown beyond just kettle placements: the Chiefs now donate a portion of ticket sales from the “Community Game” to the Salvation Army, and players regularly volunteer at local kettle locations in the weeks leading up to the game. “This partnership is about more than just raising money,” said Chiefs team president Mark Donovan. “It’s about using our platform to bring attention to the incredible work the Salvation Army does for families in need. During the holidays, many people are struggling, and we want to make sure our fans know how easy it is to help—whether it’s dropping change in a kettle at the game or volunteering in their neighborhood.” This year, the goal was to raise $150,000 through game-day donations and ticket proceeds—enough to provide 15,000 meals and 5,000 toys to local families. By the end of the game, the campaign had already exceeded that target, a testament to the generosity of Chiefs Country.

Another key element of Salvation Army Kettles Featured in Game for the Kansas City Chiefs is the in-stadium activations that made the day interactive for fans. Arrowhead Stadium’s concourses were lined with 20 red kettles, each staffed by a combination of Salvation Army volunteers, Chiefs cheerleaders, and even current and former players. Rookie defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (before his IR placement) and former Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles were among the volunteers, greeting fans, posing for photos, and encouraging donations. “It’s humbling to be here,” Anudike-Uzomah said while staffing a kettle near Section 122. “Growing up, my family benefited from the Salvation Army’s toy drives, so this means a lot to me. Seeing fans stop by to donate—even just a few dollars—reminds you how much this community cares.” The Chiefs also added a digital twist: fans could make donations via QR codes printed on game tickets and displayed on the video boards, allowing those who forgot cash to contribute electronically. During timeouts, the video boards featured stories of local families who had been helped by the Salvation Army, including a single mother of two who received meals and toys last year. “Those stories really hit home,” said Sarah, a Chiefs fan from Olathe who donated $20 at a kettle. “You hear about the Salvation Army, but seeing how it impacts people in your own community makes you want to give more.”

A critical aspect of Salvation Army Kettles Featured in Game for the Kansas City Chiefs is the halftime tribute that honored volunteers and highlighted the partnership’s impact. The halftime show, which typically features a musical performance, was replaced this year with a special ceremony recognizing Salvation Army volunteers and Chiefs players who had contributed to the campaign. The video boards played a montage of volunteers packing meals and delivering toys, followed by a live appearance from Salvation Army regional director Major Brian Richie, who thanked the Chiefs and their fans for their support. “For every dollar donated today, we can provide a meal to a child who might otherwise go hungry,” Richie said to the crowd. “For every toy donated, we can put a smile on a kid’s face on Christmas morning. This partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs has changed lives, and we can’t thank them enough.” The tribute ended with a surprise: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce took the field to present a \(50,000 check from the Chiefs Foundation to the Salvation Army, bringing the game-day total to over \)200,000. The crowd erupted in cheers, with chants of “Chiefs Kingdom!” echoing through the stadium. For the Kansas City Chiefs, the halftime tribute was a way to show that football is about more than wins and losses—it’s about using their influence to make a difference.

Another important angle of Salvation Army Kettles Featured in Game for the Kansas City Chiefs is the lasting impact of the campaign on local communities. The funds raised during the game will support three key Salvation Army initiatives: the Holiday Meal Program, which provides hot meals to seniors and low-income families; the Toy Shop, where parents can select free toys for their children; and the Emergency Shelter Program, which offers a warm place to stay for those experiencing homelessness. In the weeks following the game, Chiefs players will continue to volunteer at these programs, including a toy-packing event at the Salvation Army’s Kansas City headquarters. “The donations from the Chiefs game are a lifeline for us,” said Richie. “December is our busiest month—we serve twice as many meals and distribute three times as many toys as any other time of year. Without this partnership, we couldn’t meet that demand.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, the impact goes beyond the numbers: it’s about building a stronger community. “We’re proud to call Kansas City home,” Donovan said. “This city supports us every week, and we want to support them right back. The Salvation Army kettles are a symbol of that support—they remind us that we’re all in this together.”

Wrapping up Salvation Army Kettles Featured in Game for the Kansas City Chiefs is how this partnership embodies the spirit of Chiefs Country and the holiday season. Arrowhead Stadium is often called the “loudest stadium in the NFL,” but on this day, it was also one of the most generous. Fans didn’t just come to watch football—they came to give back, whether it was dropping coins in a kettle, donating via QR code, or cheering on the players who volunteered their time. The partnership between the Chiefs and the Salvation Army is a perfect example of how sports can be a force for good: it brings people together, raises awareness for important causes, and makes a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. “This day is what being a Chiefs fan is all about,” said Mike, a lifelong fan who has donated at the game-day kettles for five years. “We love our team, but we also love our community. Seeing the players and cheerleaders out there with the kettles makes you proud to be part of Chiefs Kingdom.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, the kettle campaign is more than an annual tradition—it’s a commitment to using their platform to uplift others. As the team heads into the playoffs with Super Bowl aspirations, they carry with them not just the hope of a championship, but also the pride of knowing they’ve made a difference in the lives of thousands of Kansas City families this holiday season. Salvation Army Kettles Featured in Game for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a story about a game-day initiative—it’s a story about community, generosity, and the true meaning of the holidays.