Thank You Kent County Community!
The Salvation Army of Kent County is extending a heartfelt thank you to the Grand Rapids community for their incredible support in 2020. The Salvation Army’s call for help to Rescue Christmas last year was answered with unprecedented generosity that resulted in Kent County exceeding its $1.3 million Red Kettle Campaign goal.
The Salvation Army met the increased need in 2020, serving double the amount of families at Christmastime that is typically expected and nearly 30,000 total people throughout the entire year. The first month of 2021 has shown the rise in request for services has not subsided and donations are always needed.
“In times of great need and even greater uncertainty we are immeasurably grateful to Kent County and the West Michigan community for their generous support. Because you helped, we will be able to o help our neighbors in need,” said Major Glen Caddy, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Michigan and Northern Indiana.
At the outset of the Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army was concerned that fundraising could drop by as much as 50 percent due to the economic impact of COVID-19. The Salvation Army of Kent County is thankful to its partners that stood by the organization and even stepped up their support despite the challenges of the pandemic.
The Red Kettle Campaign publicly kicked off Nov. 13 with the start of bell ringing and concluded at the end of January.
Money raised from the Red Kettle Campaign is used to fund programs provided at Christmas and throughout the year, including those that provide emergency food assistance, offer housing resources and energy bill assistance, assist those struggling with substance use disorder, provide programs that impact people of all ages at the Kroc Center and Fulton Heights Corps, and support disaster victims every time catastrophe strikes.