Central Indiana Red Kettle Christmas Campaign Kicks Off
The Salvation Army of Central Indiana hosted its annual Red Kettle Christmas Kick-Off on Friday, November 11 at the Indiana Historical Society in downtown Indianapolis. The Frank and Katrina Basile Theater was filled with friends of The Salvation Army of Central Indiana to enjoy a festive evening emceed by Salvation Army Advisory Board member and WTHR meteorologist, Chuck Lofton.
The annual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $3.4 million through the iconic red kettles located throughout Central Indiana. An online peer-to-peer fundraising campaign that invites the public to take an active role in supporting the organization. The Virtual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $50,000 online through the platform, which allows supporters to create their own virtual Red Kettle with a personal fundraising goal. The public can follow and participate in the campaign at salarmy.us/virtualkettle.
"The Red Kettle Campaign is a Christmas staple, but we don't want to merely exist in the background of Christmas photos or blend into the sights and sounds of Christmas shopping," explains Major Rachel Stouder, Central Indiana Area Commander. "The bell is an invitation to pay attention to how one can love their neighbors by helping them. It's an invitation to care, to give, to notice others, to be generous, and to be grateful."
The Salvation Army has been responding to the increased need in the community as we experience national inflation. In recent months, thousands of Hoosiers have turned to The Salvation Army for emergency financial assistance to stay in their homes. This Christmas, struggling families have enrolled in the Angel Tree program to ensure that their children can still experience the joy of gifts under the tree.
The Red Kettle Christmas Kick-Off featured the barbershop quartet Brothers of a Chord who performed holiday favorites. Special guest speakers shared details about seasonal programs like Angel Tree and upcoming fundraising efforts like the WIBC Radiothon December 9-10. The Salvation Army will also be recognizing several companies, foundations, and individuals that have already made significant gifts this holiday season. After the program, guests will have full access to the Indiana Historical Society to enjoy the Festival of Trees.
Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the annual Red Kettle Campaign provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Central Indiana. Sign up to be a volunteer bell ringer today at RegisterToRing.com.
See photos from this year's Red Kettle Christmas Kick-Off on Flicker HERE.