Kettle Donations: Making seniors smile
Ever wonder how The Salvation Army uses your red kettle donations?
If so, you’re not alone. For 125 years, people have been dropping money into red kettles blissfully unaware of the drastic amounts of good they are accomplishing.
“Kettle Donations” is an eight-part series that provides answers. We’ll explore a new Salvation Army program every week until Christmas. In the end, you’ll understand precisely how your kettle donations change lives during the Christmas season and year-round.
Your red kettle donations become important services for senior citizens, including housing, adult day services and fun activities.
Our Booth Manor senior living facility in Minneapolis (pictured), for example, is a blessing to low-income seniors ages 62 and older. The 21-story facility is home to about 160 residents who can scarcely afford other housing.
“We love our residents – we’re just a big family,” said Major Brenda Pittman, Booth Manor administrator.
Many of the residents have lived incredible lives. That includes Alekandr Ryvlan (pictured), a Russia native who worked as both an Olympic ski coach and an Arctic scientist, twice visiting the North Pole.
“(The North Pole) was very dark and cold – but Minnesota is colder,” Ryvlan said with a laugh.
The Salvation Army also offers affordable, licensed adult day services in Minnesota. Our programs in Maplewood and Rochester each serve dozens of participants every weekday, providing group outings, nutritious meals, transportation, arts and crafts, exercise programs, and other activities.
Both programs also offer services for younger adults and caregivers who need assistance.
The Salvation Army also offers Bible study programs and senior activity groups at many of our service centers across Minnesota and North Dakota.
2015 kettle season
The new kettle season is officially underway.
There are about 900 kettle locations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Please give a little something each time you pass by one, knowing your gift will allow The Salvation Army to provide important services to senior citizens.
If you’d like to take your kettle experience to the next level, sign up to be a bell ringer. In just two hours you’ll raise an average of $60 – enough money for The Salvation Army to serve a hot lunch to about 30 of the seniors we serve.