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’ annual Mayoral Red Kettle Challenge.
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’s operations in their home communities. The friendly competition rewards the official who raises the most money, though every dollar stays local.
Collin County Leaders Join the Effort
In Collin County, several familiar faces took part:
- Prosper Mayor David Bristol rang bells at the Kroger on North Preston Road
- Allen Mayor Baine Brooks participated at the Market Street on West Bethany Drive
- Plano City Council Member Rick Horne joined the challenge in Plano
Residents could support their preferred official by donating directly at the kettle or contributing through a designated virtual kettle online.
Why The Challenge Matters This Year
The timing carries weight. According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap report, North Texas ranks third in the country for the highest number of people facing food insecurity, at 15.7%. Healthy North Texas 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.
Homelessness also remains a pressing concern. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count found 3,500 people experiencing homelessness in Dallas and Collin counties and about 2,600 in Tarrant County…