Ready to Ring!
Ready to Ring!
The kettles are shined up and the bells are polished in anticipation of the 2016 Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign! Soon these kettles and bells will appear outside stores and on street corners in the hopes that they will be filled to the brim to help people in need this holiday season and throughout the year.
We all cringe when we see Halloween decorations up in August and Christmas trees and decorations up in September. “Too early” we say. But it’s never too early to start helping the homeless, the hungry or families in despair. That’s why The Salvation Army is busy getting ready for the Red Kettle season – recruiting volunteer bell ringers, coordinating with host stores and getting the word out about the growing needs in our community.
Think your change doesn’t matter? Think again! This year’s campaign has a goal of $8.4 million dollars and kettle contributions account for more than one third of all holiday donations. And, its more than just food and shelter. These funds also provide utility assistance, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment, help families learn to become self-sufficient and assist emergency responders and victims of disasters like floods, winter storms and tornadoes.
And the money that is collected stays right here in our community. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar collected goes directly to those in need. Last year, these funds helped provide more than 2.7 million meals to the hungry and provided more than 652,000 nights of shelter.
So, look for the Red Kettles and remember to carry a little extra cash when you are out shopping this holiday season. You will be warmly remembered by those you help.
Want to do more? Here are other ways you can help:
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Volunteer at ringbell.org
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Donate to a red kettle
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Text “SALMICH” to 41444
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Call 877-SAL-MICH
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and our kettles!
Salmich.org