Behind the Shield: Leah Neustedter, Co-President, The Red Kettle Club
In 2014, Brookfield Central High School started The Red Kettle Club. The Club’s mission is to provide middle and high school students an opportunity to serve the less fortunate of their communities through programs of The Salvation Army. They serve Milwaukee as well as the surrounding communities. They have over 120 active members and they complete 600 hours of service each year.
Meet Leah Neustedter, Co-President of The Red Kettle Club, the first club of its kind in Wisconsin. She joined her freshman year. She was a regular club member he freshman and sophomore year before becoming an executive Board Member her junior year. She wanted to get involved because it was a big volunteer opportunity and she wanted to participate. Read more about Leah below.
Q. How did you first learn about The Salvation Army?
A. I have known about the Salvation Army as an organization for a while because my family is very involved in community service. However, I was first introduced to the RKC when I started high school. I heard about it through posters and word of mouth about clubs available to participate in.
Q. What is your favorite experience with The Red Kettle Club/The Salvation Army?
A. I enjoy making crafts to donate to the Emergency Lodge. For example, we just made birthday bags to hand out to the children on their birthdays which were a lot of fun! I enjoy making things with my hands that I know will make an impact.
Q. What is one thing you believe the world should know about The Salvation Army?
A. I believe that the world should know the work that the Salvation Army is doing. That way, the organization could have a larger impact if more people know about the work being done!
Q. What are 3 words you'd use to describe The Salvation Army?
A. Impactful, inspiring and inclusive.
Q. What is your favorite project to work on?
A. Anything going to the Emergency Lodge is a favorite of mine because I know it is making an impact and I enjoy the projects we do for them.
Q. Is there anything you'd like to add?
A. I hope that more Red Kettle Clubs will be started in our area because I'd love to communicate with them and exchange ideas. High-schoolers can have a big impact and make a difference to a lot of people, so I hope other schools start to catch on.
Join us every Wednesday to learn more about our organization, officers, board members, employees and volunteers. If you know of any notable volunteers that you believe would want to share their story please contact us here.