Together with Kansas Plastic Surgery

🎄 We aren’t the only ones doing Christmas giveaways!

Kansas Plastic Surgery is right in the middle of their 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways…

From Dec 1–15, they’re dropping a new daily special — and once that day’s deal is gone, it’s gone.

Every time you purchase a daily special, you earn an entry into their big Dec 16 giveaway. ✨ Go check out their Instagram and Facebook to follow along!

Salvation Army in Wichita: A Legacy of Hope, Help, and Holiday Joy

👉 Wichita Life Virtual Red Kettle

When you think of the Salvation Army, what do you think of?

The first things that come to my mind are red kettles, bells, and thrift stores.

If you have lived in Wichita long enough, you already know the sound of the season. It is the familiar ring of a red kettle bell outside your favorite store or your local Dillons in most cases. But The Salvation Army in Wichita is more than a holiday symbol. It is a cornerstone of community support that has stepped into gaps for nearly 140 years.

This year’s campaign slogan, “Give With Joy,” reflects exactly what The Salvation Army has meant to generations of Wichitans. And with a campaign goal of $289,000, the community’s support is more important than ever.

To understand why this work matters, and why it still resonates today, it helps to look back at where Wichita and The Salvation Army’s relationship began.

A History Rooted in Wichita’s Early Days

Wichita was officially incorporated as a city in 1870, a scrappy frontier town shaped by trading posts, cattle trails, and early railroad expansion. Sixteen years later, The Salvation Army arrived.

The first documented Salvation Army meeting in Wichita took place on May 12, 1886 at 116 E. Douglas and was led by Captain Cunningham. In 1887, Captain and Lieutenant Kline established a full-time ministry at 601 E. Douglas. These early efforts planted the seeds for what would become generations of service.

More milestones followed:

• 1906: Wichita became home to the first Salvation Army built facility in Kansas at 126 N. Topeka

• 1921: The organization opened a hospital for unmarried mothers in the former Wesley Hospital

• 1925: The new Booth Memorial Hospital opened at 2050 W. 11th and also served as the headquarters

• 1934: A donated tract of land north of the city became a camp for mothers and children. This was the beginning of what is now Camp Hiawatha

• 1997: The Koch Center opened at 350 N. Market and centralized many of Wichita’s Salvation Army programs

Wichita has changed dramatically over 150 years, but The Salvation Army’s mission has remained the same. They continue to meet the needs in front of them, do the most good, and serve with dignity.

Where The Salvation Army Serves Wichita Today

Wichita is home to three Corps Community Centers, each serving different neighborhoods while offering food pantries, youth programs, worship, social services, and emergency assistance.

• Downtown and Koch Center at 350 N. Market

• West Orchard Corps at 1910 S. Everett

• Citadel Corps at 1739 S. Elpyco

Each location reflects the unique needs of its community. From families facing food insecurity to seniors needing connection to individuals navigating emergency crises, these centers are often a lifeline.

What Doing the Most Good Looks Like in 2025

This year alone, The Salvation Army in Wichita has:

• Served more than 5,000 families across three food pantries

• Paid $131,000 in utility bills for 200 to 300 families who attended a utility education class

• Distributed roughly 14,000 toys to 3,000 families

• Provided $13,000 in ID assistance for individuals needing vital documents

• Supported 18 families in the Pathway of Hope program with long term stability support

Every dollar donated here stays here and directly supports people across Wichita and Sedgwick County.

Angel Tree. A Wichita Tradition

If you have ever walked through a mall, a church lobby, or an office during the holidays, you have seen the tags. Each one lists a child’s name, age, clothing sizes, and a few gift wishes.

That is the Angel Tree. It is one of The Salvation Army’s most enduring and recognizable programs. The name has become so widely used that many other organizations now host their own version of an angel tree. It is similar to how Kleenex became the everyday word for tissue.

But the original Angel Tree belongs to The Salvation Army, and it remains one of the largest and most important holiday efforts in Wichita. Angel Tree pickup is happening this week, which means thousands of local families are receiving gifts chosen specifically for their children.

There is something very Wichita about that. Quiet generosity, given without expectation.

This year, The Salvation Army of South-Central Kansas is providing toys for over 8,375 kids for Sedgwick, Butler, and Reno Counties!

The distribution in Wichita will take place tomorrow and Friday at the old Downtown Library.

A Personal Note (And a Virtual Bell)

It has been a long time since I rang a bell for a red kettle, but I still remember one shift like it was yesterday. I was ringing at the Dillons on Harry, sometime in high school or college, when a kind woman walked up, dropped her change in the kettle, and told me I had pretty eyes.

That was 15 years ago, and I have never forgotten it. A simple moment, but a reminder of the kindness that shows up when people give.

So consider this my virtual red kettle. Imagine I am standing outside ringing a bell right now. And if you feel moved to help, you can donate here.

👉 Wichita Life Virtual Red Kettle

The Red Kettles run through Christmas Eve (50 across the 3 previously mentioned counties) and they ave currently only met 39% of their $289,000 goal if you’re interested in donating.

How You Can Help Right Now

Donate

Every dollar helps a Wichita family. Your support covers food, utilities, youth programs, holiday assistance, and emergency relief.

Volunteer

Bell ringers are still needed across the city. It is a classic and meaningful way to give back.

Sign up at registertoring.com

Support Angel Tree

Spread the word, adopt a last minute tag (likely better for next year), or share the story of how Angel Tree changes lives every holiday season. Distributions are this week and I can’t wait to see.

Share the story

Send this deep dive to someone who might join you in giving or volunteering.

Why It Matters

For nearly 140 years, The Salvation Army has shown up for Wichita. During storms, during recessions, during holidays, and on the hardest days of people’s lives. This season, we get the chance to show up for them so they can show up for thousands of our neighbors.

Let’s Give With Joy. Let’s make sure Wichita families feel seen, supported, and loved this Christmas.

What do you want to see us go deep on in a future deep dive?

Let us know!

**LIMITED TIME ONLY**

These shirts are flying like hot cakes.

If you want one, I’d grab one today or you might miss out. We have very limited quantity and sizes.

I can all but guarantee you will:

1. find it comfy (I’m wearing one as I type this and it is my new favorite shirt)

2. Get a lot of compliments because it is such a unique and cool (and local) shirt