(BRIDGEWATER, NJ) -- The Salvation Army will host its Kettle Kickoff event at Bridgewater Commons on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, launching the organization's Red Kettle Campaign for the 2025 holiday season.
The festive event will feature the iconic Red Kettles, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and children's activities designed to spread holiday cheer. The celebration will take place at the mall's Center Court, near Santa's Wonderland, and invites shoppers and community members to come together in support of neighbors in need.
"The Kettle Kickoff is a celebration of generosity and community," said Major Brett DeMichael, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army New Jersey Division. "Every donation to the Red Kettles helps provide meals, shelter, and essential services to families across New Jersey. We're grateful to Bridgewater Commons for their partnership and for helping us share the spirit of giving with the community."
"Bridgewater Commons is pleased to host The Salvation Army's Kettle Kickoff," said Tom Kovacic, Marketing and Business Development Director at Bridgewater Commons. "The holiday season is about community and giving back, and we're proud to support an event that brings people together to help local families."
The Red Kettle Campaign directly supports programs such as Angel Tree, where gifts from generous donors bring holiday joy to children and families who might otherwise go without. Bridgewater Commons has long supported The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program, connecting shoppers to local families in need during the Christmas season. The Angel Tree at the Commons can be found on the Main level next to L'Occitane. Funds raised through the campaign also support essential year-round services, including assistance with rent, utilities, food, and housing.
The public is invited to attend the Kettle Kickoff, donate at any Red Kettle throughout the holiday season, or give online at SalvationArmyNJ.org.
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 24 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, shelter for the homeless, and rehabilitation services for people in need, The Salvation Army is Doing the Most Good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. If you need services or know of someone in need, please visit www.SalvationArmyNJ.org to find a location near you.
Bridgewater Commons is one of Northern New Jersey's premier shopping destinations, located in a vibrant suburb in proximity to New York City. The 1.2 million-square-foot shopping center features a vibrant mix of retailers and restaurants with wide consumer appeal. More than 150 brands call Bridgewater Commons home, from well-known national retailers and restaurants such as Apple, lululemon athletica, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Fogo de Chão, Seasons 52 and The Cheesecake Factory, to popular local small shops like Athletifreak, Millburn Deli and DIG. In 2023, Bridgewater Commons celebrated its 35th anniversary and was acquired by Pacific Retail Capital Partners, one of the premier owners of retail real estate in the country.
