One of the most recognizable sounds of the holiday season is back. The Salvation Army today kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Officials say due to the pandemic, the need is even greater this year.
“This is the iconic symbol that the Christmas season has started.”
Major Glenn Caddy is the Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander for the Western Michigan, Northern Indiana Division. He and others launched the 2020 bell ringing campaign earlier today. He says he’s happy to kick the season off in their partnership with SpartanNash, but he says the pandemic has brought about some changes.
“Our goal is 1.3 million dollars which is lower than in past years. But we’re trying to be realistic. We’ll have a third less kettles out, and fewer volunteers due to their concerns about being out in the pandemic.”
And as we move forward into the holiday season, Major Caddy says they’ve seen an increase in the number of those needing help.
“And some of them honestly are people who’ve never asked for assistance from the Salvation Army before, but they find themselves in a position this year of needing help.”
If you do want to donate, Major Caddy says there are many ways to do so. You can drop donations into the kettle, he says they still accept electronic donations at kettle sites via Kettle Pay. He says these are contact-less options. Plus you can still just go online if you want to, at sakentcounty.org
Major Caddy says the Salvation Army has adopted nationally mandate safety protocols for physical kettles to ensure the safety of all. The Red Kettles will be out until Christmas eve, with the campaign running until the end of January. Major Caddy added, he’s optimistic the people of West Michigan will come through once again.
