It's the Kent County Red Kettle Kickoff!
The inaugural ringing of the iconic bells for this Christmas season will occur at noon this Friday, Nov. 13, at the Fulton Heights Community Center (1235 Fulton Street East) as The Salvation Army kicks off its annual Red Kettle Campaign with a local goal of raising $1.3 million. With more people facing hardship this year due to the pandemic, the need to serve those most vulnerable is greater than ever. Donations to the campaign will fund programs provided in Kent County at Christmas and throughout the year.
Following a short ceremony, which will be started by local bagpiper Tom Bradley, Major Glen Caddy, The Salvation Army Divisional Commander; Joseph Jones, Grand Rapids City Second Ward Commissioner; and Dawn Bredeweg, SpartanNash Community Engagement, will simultaneously ring the first bells of the season to begin the campaign. In addition, local musicians Avalon Cutts-Jones and Tyreece Guyton will perform several musical selections and will join the bell-ringing festivities.
“Over the years, our partnership with SpartanNash has allowed The Salvation Army to make a difference in the lives of countless families and individuals,” Major Caddy said. “This year, more than any other, your help will be needed. Economic challenges have made fundraising more difficult. At the same time, we are helping more people, some of them for the first time in their lives. We know that the people of Kent County and West Michigan are caring and generous, and we thank you in advance for your support.”
For over 20 years, bell ringers have been welcomed into the warmth of all 87 Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, Forest Hills Foods, ValuLand and VG’s locations throughout Michigan to make it more comfortable for the bell ringers and easier for customers to make their donations.
“SpartanNash is proud to be a corporate partner and a longtime participant in The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign,” said Meredith Gremel, SpartanNash Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications, and Executive Director of the SpartanNash Foundation. “The bell ringers offer a positive reminder of the power of human compassion during the holiday season. Together with our 87 Family Fare, D&W Fresh Markets, VG’s, Valulands, Forest Hills Foods and Ada Fresh Market in Michigan, SpartanNash is proud to partner with The Salvation Army throughout the year to raise the necessary funds to help those who are less fortunate in our communities.”
The Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandated safety protocols for physical kettles to ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners. Bell ringers at every Kent County establishment are instructed to follow CDC, state and local guidelines for social distancing and mask wearing.
The Salvation Army accepts electronic donations at kettle sites through Kettle Pay, making it safer and easier to contribute. When a donor “bumps” their phone to the NFC tag, they will automatically be taken to a custom donation page where they will be able to donate via Google Pay or Apple Pay, depending on the device type.
Additionally, through the entirely contactless Virtual Red Kettle, donors can set up their own personal red kettle online and raise funds from their peers.
Other contactless opportunities are available year-round to support the work of The Salvation Army in a variety of ways including:
- Online at sakentcounty.org
- By phone at 616.459.3433 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY
- By sending financial gifts directly to The Salvation Army, 1215 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503