Red Kettle Campaign Kicks Off
On Saturday, November 16, The Salvation Army of Muncie will host a public Red Kettle Kickoff celebration to mark the start of an annual holiday tradition that brings cheer to Christmas shoppers across Delaware County: the ringing of bells at Salvation Army Red Kettles.
The public is invited to join The Salvation Army at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, located at 520 E. Main Street, from 12 PM to 2 PM to enjoy live musical performances and learn more about the ministries supported by the annual Red Kettle Campaign.
The Albany/East Grade School Choir, under the direction of Sandy York, and Muncie Central High School Jazz Band, under the direction of John Clark, will perform during the event to help get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
With a goal of raising $175,000 in just over six weeks, it will take great community support to help The Salvation Army make the most of the campaign. Between high inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic on low- and middle-income families, The Salvation Army is seeing more people in need turn to charity to help them get through hard times.
"The funds help us provide a Christmas meal and presents for the kids to families in Muncie and Delaware County, as well as warm coats, hats, mittens and scarves, to those without them," said Major Curtiss Hartley, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Muncie. "This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it provides funds for us to have our doors open all year, helping families and seniors with rent payments, utilities, and food."
This year, Red Kettles can be found at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, and the Muncie Mall. Shoppers should also keep an eye out for smaller counter kettles at establishments around the community, including Concannon's Bakery, Mancino's, Pizza Hut, Toys Forever, and many other retailers and restaurants.
Volunteer bell ringers will be out bringing attention to the annual Red Kettle Campaign, which provides help and hope to vulnerable members of our community. The Salvation Army is still in need of more of these important volunteers to ensure that Red Kettles can be out through Christmas Eve. Individuals, groups, and families are invited to sign up on registertoring.com for the location, date, and time of their choosing.
Donations can also be made online to help The Salvation Army reach its holiday fundraising goal. Visit salarmy.us/muncievrk2024 to give through the safe and secure Virtual Red Kettle for The Salvation Army of Muncie.