The Salvation Army kicks off Red Kettle season with the Chicago Bears
The Salvation Army kicked off Red Kettle season on Thursday, November 9th, at Soldier Field in Chicago. As part of The Salvation Army - Chicago Bears partnership, Chicago Area Commander Major Caleb Senn gave the ceremonial first ring of the season hours before the Bears faced the Carolina Panthers in their primetime match-up.
As more than sixty thousand fans flooded Soldier Field, Major Senn announced the official start to kettle season in Chicago. “The money raised in these kettles will help fund The Salvation Army programs for the entire year,” Major Senn said. “Please reach deep in your heart and help those in need this Christmas season.”
Fans indeed felt The Salvation Army’s presence on game night with eight Red Kettles around the stadium, a giant inflatable bounce house kettle, and appearances by Captain Shield and Captain Kettle.
Officer training cadets from The Salvation Army College for Officer Training rang for hours as fans shuffled into the game. Thousands of dollars were raised to help fund Salvation Army programs.
As many of our neighbors continue to struggle with the impacts of inflation, eviction, and job loss, The Salvation Army is there to help. Kettle donations always stay local to support those in the community directly. These Red Kettle funds are used for year-round efforts, including rent/utility assistance, food banks, shelters, mobile feeding, and children’s programs.
In addition to the Red Kettles, several coat donation boxes were located around the stadium as part of the Jewel-Osco, Chicago Bears, Salvation Army Coat Drive. Anyone who donated a coat on game day was given a coupon for Jewel-Osco.
And to top off the evening, the Bears defeated the Panthers 16-13, improving their season record to 3-7.
The Salvation Army and its Red Kettles will return to Soldier Field on December 24th as the Bears face the Arizona Cardinals.