The Salvation Army’s relationship to Christmastime goes back more than a century. This holiday season, the charitable organization will be out in Hub City beginning on Nov. 14, where residents can see the familiar red kettle street campaign around the area.

Last year, the Salvation Army of Aberdeen raised nearly $129,000 during several hundred hours of volunteer work. Captain Joseph Hixenbaugh says the group has new goals for 2025 and is aiming to raise more than $121,000 and hopes for about 1,400 cumulative hours of volunteering.

More: With shutdown threatening food assistance, Feeding South Dakota gets a donation of 35,000 pounds of pork

These funds help the Salvation Army continue to provide essential services to families and individuals in need across the local community during the season of giving, as well as beyond.

Some of the important items the Salvation Army provides with the money received include food boxes, backpacks, lodging, prescriptions, transportation, rent and utility assistance. This year, its leadership told the Aberdeen News the local Salvation Army seeks “food and volunteers to fill the many hours of time this Christmas.”

Hixenbaugh and his wife, Kendra, are new administrators for the Salvation Army of Aberdeen. They began here this autumn after previously working in Indiana.

Hixenbaugh says it is simple to become a volunteer. Interested parties can go to registertoring.com and type in the zip code 57401.

As a whole, the Salvation Army plans to bring hope and joy to those who may be struggling during the upcoming holiday season. The bell ringing around Hub City concludes on Christmas Eve.

With the status of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in flux, food banks in the Sioux Falls area are gearing up for the possibility that they may be more crucial than ever.

On the afternoon of Oct. 31, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to continue providing the benefits using contingency funds and asked them to report on Nov. 3 about the progress made toward distribution.

More: How many people in South Dakota receive SNAP benefits? Here’s what to know about the program

Here’s a look at some local options for hunger relief.

Feeding South Dakota

The statewide nonprofit allows you to enter your location and find hunger relief, ranging from mobile food distribution or programs aimed specifically at children or seniors. The organization is also urgently seeking donations as the effects of the government shutdown continue. Call 605-335-0364 for assistance or email info@feedingsouthdakota.org.

More: Fareway grocery stores to give back to communities amid government shutdown

Helpline Center

The organization maintains “food calendars” that list where food giveaways can be found.

The Salvation Army

The organization’s emergency food pantry is open on weekdays 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.

Faith Temple Food Giveaway

The organization gives away food on most Fridays between 4-6 p.m. at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds.

More: Oct. 30-Nov. 2, those in need can ask for the ‘Community Special’ at area Taco John’s

Food to You

Charis Ministry Partners distributes food on Thursdays at a rotating list of locations. Doors open at 5 p.m. and food is distributed 6-7 p.m.

• First Thursday: East Side Lutheran Church, 1300 E. 10th St.
• Second Thursday: Messiah New Hope Church, 5001 E. Madison St.
• Third Thursday: Augustana Lutheran Church, 235 North Prairie Avenue
• Fourth Thursday: St. John Lutheran Church, 1912 W. 13th St.