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By Howard Lestrud ECM Online Managing Editor What is the Red Kettle? The Red Kettle is a symbol of HOPE and a container that can change the future of many of our people around the world who find themselves in “down and out” types of situations. The Red Kettle is also symbolic of a steady ring-a-ling cadence echoed by many dedicated volunteers. Already, the Salvation Army’s soldiers or volunteers are out in your communities ringing bells and asking for voluntary contributions to help others in need. I have been fortunate to have worked with the Salvation Army the past 15 years as a member of the Forest Lake Lions Club. Our club has traditionally taken two Saturdays, one after Thanksgiving and one early in December to help ring bells. I have never had a difficulty recruiting ringers as this volunteer gesture warms one’s heart inside, seeing the unselfish donations made by people of all ages. It is especially rewarding to see families approach the Red Kettle and to see little kids bring out their piggy banks or Zip-Loc bags filled with change. Parents must be commended for allowing their youngsters the opportunity to help others by pouring their change into a Red Kettle. Let’s find out more about the Red Kettle Campaign and about the Salvation Army by going to the Salvation Army regional site that serves Minnesota and North Dakota communities: http://www.thesalarmy.org/ The Twin Cities Salvation Army’s 2009 Christmas Campaign goal is $8.7 million, about $3 million of which will be raised in red kettles. The annual budget of the Twin Cities Salvation Army is $29 million, with public contributions accounting for $17 million. From Nov. 13 to Dec. 24 there will be more than 100,000 hours of bell ringing available in the Twin Cities at more than 400 kettle sites. For more information or to register, go to http://www.thesalarmy.org/chris/bellringing.htm or call 651-746-3400. The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,000 hot meals and shelters 850 people. More than 14,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide a multitude of services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Online donations can also be made. ORIGIN OF THE CHRISTMAS KETTLE The tradition of Salvation Army kettles began in San Francisco in 1891 with Captain Joseph McFee. Captain McFee was looking for a way to help provide meals to families in need and recalled “Simpson’s pot” - a large pot used in Liverpool, England into which passers-by threw charitable donations. Captain McFee decided to place a similar pot at the Oakland ferry landing. By strategically placing the kettle, he was able to attract donations from those going to and from the ferry boats. Not long after, a smaller urn was placed in the waiting area as well. Now, over 100 years have passed and instead of providing just a simple Christmas dinner, the money raised at kettles is also used to provide clothing, shelter, toys, financial assistance and counseling year-round. The Salvation Army’s holiday fund-raising activities play a crucial role in sharing the spirit of the season with families in need. The Salvation Army does its best to ensure that no family goes without food, no child is without presents under the tree and that Christmas is a time of hope and healing. The Salvation Army continues its mission to “preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination” year-round. Fun fact: Did you know that by signing up to bell ring, you’re actually an official Salvation Army campanologist? So, what is a campanologist, exactly? Merriam-Webster gives us the definition: campanologist • \kam-puh-NAH-luh-jist\ • noun : one that practices or is skilled in the art of bell ringing It’s easy to sign up for bellringing. Just go to http://www.registertoring.com/TwinCities/Search.aspx Let’s see where the money earned by bellringing for the Northern Division actually goes: • In 2008, The Salvation Army served 813,906 meals. • The Salvation Army provided 154,499 instances of rent, mortgage and energy assistance. • The Salvation Army’s Toy Shop gave out 153,119 toys to children last year, making their Christmas just a bit more joyful. • 19,295 disaster survivors received food, shelter, clothing and more through our Emergency Disaster Services in 2008. • Last year, 82,421 people generously donated their time and efforts serving as volunteers for The Salvation Army. It’s always very gratifying to see the types of people who are ringing bells. The ringers likely will be your neighbor, your local Lions or Rotary member, your pastor, your doctor, a homeless person or a youngster helping out his/her dad or grandfather by bellringing. Today The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and territories, preaches the gospel in 160 languages, operates hundreds of rehabilitation centers for the physically and socially handicapped, provides education at every level in more than 1,700 schools—and much more. Times are difficult but this holiday season, make the effort to help others through the Red Kettle Campaign. Comments (0)
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