Red Kettle Kickoff Game Features Post Malone and Salvationist Trumpeter

Dallas, Texas: The Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army held the 29^th annual Red Kettle Kick-Off with a half-time show starring the Grammy-award-winning Post Malone. For 29 years, the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army have partnered with popular recording artists to draw attention to the Army’s fundraising season.

In an interview with NBC KSNV, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, said about their partnership with The Salvation Army, “We are always inspired, especially on Thanksgiving, because of this partnership we have with The Salvation Army … The people who are administering the money [from Red Kettle] are the most efficient people in our country. More of it goes to somebody that’s hungry or needs shoes than any other place that you could put a dollar.”

The 2025 Thanksgiving Day Dallas Cowboys football game began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem performed by Anthony Barrington, 27, of The Salvation Army New York Staff Band on trumpet.

Dan and His Birmingham Brothers

Birmingham, Alabama: Dan McDaniel, 40, travelled through four states and to a dozen hospitals when attempting to detoxify until he finally cried out to God for deliverance. Now, he is a born-again Christian who has finished his bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Alabama Birmingham, graduating with a GPA of 4.0. He intends on next earning a master’s degree while continuing to be an encouragement to the men at the Birmingham ARC where he works as resident manager.

But before 2019, when Dan entered the ARC program, his life was anything but bright. He was never addicted to drugs, but alcohol introduced a downward spiral that began while he was first in college some 20 years ago. His drinking really began as part of the prevalent “college culture.”

“Dan went from being a homeless addict on the streets of Birmingham to becoming an inspiration to all of us,” says Richard Ballenger, who works alongside Dan as the assistant resident manager at the ARC. “He is always helping the men. Just today he was able to get 30 football tickets from UAB to give the men! He has a heart for The Salvation Army, and he loves what he does.”

Story and photo by Major Frank Duracher

The Salvation Army Hosts Artists

Kent County, Michigan: ArtPrize is one of the most well-known events in Michigan. For the past two years, The Salvation Army in Kent County and the Fulton Heights Corps and Community Center have worked together to serve as a venue with family friendly exhibits inspired by faith and spirituality. “The public is more familiar with our iconic red shield, thrift stores and holiday fundraising versus our spiritual mission,” said corps officer Major Thom Moffitt. “ArtPrize provides an opportunity to introduce an entirely new audience to The Salvation Army.”

Fulton Heights soldier Erin McDonald took part for the first time this year. “Art and religion go back thousands and thousands of years,” she said. “If you look at old cathedrals in the medieval era, there’s so much art … Art was as an educational tool to tell stories to people because a majority in the medieval ages were illiterate and could not read the Bible … One of the great things about ArtPrize is that we’re showing people that they have a space to belong. Many may not go to church or even believe in God but we want to give them a space to belong.”

Artwork by Amanda Vaughn

Dr. Stephen Cobb Retires as ISB Bandmaster

London, United Kingdom: After 50 years of service with The International Staff Band (ISB), including 30 years as leader of the band, Dr. Stephen Cobb retired as bandmaster in January 2026 at the end of the band’s engagement at the Regent Hall Corps.

While bandmaster, Dr. Cobb and the ISB completed several significant international tours, critically acclaimed recordings and innovative projects, including the recent release of Volume Eight of the “Heritage” series. In 2011, he led the ISB during its celebration of its 120th anniversary, which featured performances by all eight global staff bands. 

The ISB exists to spread the gospel through music and aims for the highest standards of Salvation Army Christian music making. The group is based out of London and comprised of Salvationists from the UKI Territory. It was established in 1891.

Band photo by Paul Harmer (The Salvation Army IHQ)

What Food Pantries Really Need 

United States: Donating food to your local food pantry is a great way to help your neighbors in need. All shelf-stable, nonperishable foods are appreciated, but the following items are always in high demand. Some pantries also accept and distribute personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and baby necessities like diapers and wipes. It’s best to check with your local pantry to see what they can accept, store and distribute.

What to Give

• Peanut butter
• Tuna, chicken or salmon in cans or pouches
• Pasta of any variety
• Canned soup, stew, or chili
• Boxed macaroni and cheese 
• Canned or dried beans
• White or brown rice
• Corn and flour tortillas
• Hot and cold cereals
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Snacks like granola bars, crackers, dried fruit

What to Avoid

• Opened or expired products
• Items that require refrigeration or freezing 
• Damaged items like dented cans

Red Kettle Kickoff Highlights 

Dallas, Texas:

Historic Viewership

The Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game became the most-watched regular-season NFL game ever, with 57.2 million viewers tuned in.

Social Media Surge

• 26,100 social posts mentioning the Red Kettle
• 1.7 million total engagements across platforms
• 19,400 unique voices joining the conversation
• 38.2 billion potential social impressions

Army Archives

Louis Armstrong’s timeless “Share With Others” Christmas campaign poster, regarded as the standout celebrity poster of its era, circa 1975.

Southern Historical Center at Evangeline Booth College