Lifelong Red Kettle Donor Grateful for Medical Assistance as Child
Christmas is fast approaching: trees and lights are up, blow-up snowmen and Santa Clauses wave from front lawns, Christmas specials play on repeat and Christmas music is on every radio. Red Kettle Season is also in full force. We recently received the following message from a donor, Lillian, and it is a touching reminder that even a few dollars in a kettle can go a long way to helping people in need.
“When I was 7-years old I was diagnosed with petit mal epilepsy and my medicine was very expensive. My mom called several churches asking for help, but they all said no. Finally, she called the Salvation Army. You sent someone to our home with food and presents and even paid our electric bill!
I'm 76 years old now but I've never forgotten what you did for my family. I never pass a bucket at Christmas time without putting something in it to help another family in need.
Thank you and God Bless for what you do”
Lillian’s story is a great reminder that the funds donated to The Salvation Army, during the Christmas season and all year round, go to life saving programs for countless people in need. Here are a few of these programs:
- The Bed and Bread Club: Operating at the Detroit Harbor Light campus, the Bed & Bread Club truck makes its way through Detroit, traveling multiple routes and making 47 stops to feed the hungry, including homeless and low-income individuals. The truck even goes out on holidays and in dangerous weather conditions when the postal service will not even deliver mail.
- Pathway of Hope: The Salvation Army Pathway of Hope program helps low-income and impoverished families that struggle to make ends meet. The goal is to help families break the cycle of generational poverty and equip them with the resources they need to reach their goals.
- Utility Assistance: The Salvation Army helps to prevent homelessness by assisting individuals who may be having trouble paying rent or utilities. Energy Assistance Services (EAS) offers applicants bill payment assistance, energy company subsidy program enrollment, and case management services.
If you would like to donate right now, you don’t have to find a physical red kettle, we have our very own virtual red kettle. You can also volunteer as a bell ringer.