They're helping people like Willie Thompson, who moved into the Salvation Army's women's shelter in September after she was laid off from work last year.
"They have helped with bills, helped with food, case management, housing referral, pretty much all of the programs they offered we have benefited from," she said.
Nearly a hundred kettles are ready to leave a Wake County warehouse and go to 20 different locations. For every dollar donated, 90 cents will go to help a family in need.
Willie Thompson says her family has been helped for the past five years.
“I’m sure I would have had a lot more difficult time getting through tough times that my family and I have," she offered.
Now working on her master's degree, Thompson is picking up the pieces, and hopes others will be inspired to give this holiday.
