'Hope Marches On' Red Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army Army Traverse City 2021 Red Kettle Campaign Kicks off Friday, November 12.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI: The Salvation Army Traverse City will kick off this year’s ‘Hope Marches On’ Iconic Red Kettle Campaign on November 12 in Traverse City.
The Salvation Army is digging in to make sure “Hope Marches On” during another predicted challenging holiday season of need. As many people continue to struggle with the impacts of pandemic poverty, increased food and gas costs as well as anticipate heating costs, The Salvation Army is calling on the community to help our local neighbors with life’s essentials such as keeping a roof overhead, staying on track with utility bills and having enough to eat. This year’s Red Kettle Campaign goal is $220,000.
Social services organizations like The Salvation Army have worked tirelessly to provide help and hope since the pandemic started, but needs are increasing again this holiday season due to the lifting of the eviction moratorium and continued effects of the pandemic.
“The families and individuals we serve are working hard to make ends meet, but we continue to see increased requests for holiday assistance, as well as basic and critical needs again this year,” said Lieutenant Matthew Winters. “Our community is always a generous one and with their support, we will continue to provide help and keep hope marching on for our neighbors in their time of need through Christmas and into 2022.”
Since 1894, the sound of the bell, the sight of the Red Kettles, and army of volunteers in Traverse City have been more than a symbol of "Doing the Most Good". They are all a collection of blessings and community used to: make Christmas bright, to feed, to clothe, and to comfort; to rebuild broken homes and broken lives. To fight hunger, so people are fed, and spirits nurtured. To provide families a path out of poverty and help lead them from crisis to stability. They are blessings used to provide experiences for youth, so they can grow into confident leaders of tomorrow. To those who turn to The Salvation Army during vulnerable times, they are the sight of a caring community and the sound of hope and compassion.
Lieutenant Matthew Winters, said. “We invite the community to support the Red Kettle Campaign by volunteering as an individual, family, or group to bell ring at a Red Kettle or by giving at a storefront or virtually. All funds raised stay local to fund local programs for our community! If you need help, reach out…if you can help thank you for reaching within.
Ways to help this holiday season:
- Register online to Bell ring at RegistertoRing.com to volunteer to bell ring
- Donate digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo at any red kettle
- Provide new toys through the Walmart Angel Tree or by donating to Toys for Tots
- Adopt a Teen through the Teen Angel program
- Visit SATraversecity.org to find ways to help and make Christmas Bright
- Make a secure online donation to our virtual Red Kettle
The Salvation Army Holiday programs include:
Toys and Gifts for Children (Newborn to 17)
Thanksgiving or Christmas Food Baskets
Thanksgiving Community Meal
Christmas Community Meal
Holiday Assistance Registration: Visit The Salvation Army Traverse City Facebook or SATraverseCity.org for in-person and online registration deadlines, and more information.
Thanksgiving Community Meal will be served Wednesday, November 24 from 11 am-2 pm
Thanksgiving meals will be served To-Go from food trucks at The Salvation Army Community Center, 1239 Barlow St. Traverse City.
Christmas Community Meal will be served Wednesday, December 22 from 11 am – 2 pm
Christmas meals will be served To-Go from food trucks at The Salvation Army Community Center, 1239 Barlow St. Traverse City.
For more information on how you can join Love’s Army this holiday season visit our Making Christmas Bright page or follow The Salvation Army Traverse City Facebook for up-to-date news or call 231.946.4644.