Did you know that your change will change lives? The Salvation Army kettle donations provide food, toys, assistance with rent, utilities, laundry, and transportation to vulnerable families. It also helps with nutrition education, providing free Bibles, after-school programs, and employment support services.
The Salvation Army kettle bell campaign is one of the largest and most recognizable annual charitable events. Its jingling bells and historic red kettles return for the 130th holiday season. A signature kick-off luncheon celebrates the start of the Red Kettle season and will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tucson Reid Park on Friday, November 10 at 11:30 a.m. To purchase tickets, please call Kristin Ohman at (520) 448-3997.
A tradition of the “kettle” started in 1891 in San Francisco by Salvation Army officer Captain Joseph McFee. Captain McFee, resolving to provide a free Christmas dinner to the poor of San Francisco, remembered a sight he saw in Liverpool, England. Above the pot was a sign: “Fill the Pot for the Poor – Free Dinner on Christmas Day.” McFee’s campaign was a success. Word spread and the kettles soon provided Christmas dinners for thousands nationwide. The money raised now serves more than 25 million people all over the United States.
The easiest way to help from early November through Christmas Eve is to ring a bell at one of the iconic red kettles. Volunteer bell ringers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises the funds that sustain the help given all year long. Most shifts are two hours and raise enough to provide 80+ meals for a family in need, a safe warm home to a family for a month or provide 3 underprivileged children the opportunity to attend summer camp. Signing up to Bell Ring is easy…simply visit www.RegisterToRing.com or call Kristin at (520) 448-3997.
‘Tis the season of giving, so why not join in giving to one of the most popular fundraising campaigns in history? Again, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign kicks off November 10, and Captain Chris Kim from The Salvation Army Tucson encourages everyone to donate, volunteer, or both.
“When you walk by a red kettle this year, please take a moment to remember how many families are helped because of the donations made by people like you,” said Captain Kim. “The bell ringer who rings the bell with a smile and a “Merry Christmas” on his lips is standing there to make a difference for the Tucson community. You can be a part of that difference!”