Salvation Army kicks off NH-wide Kettle Campaign

Red Kettles will be at Walmart starting Black Friday. Last year’s Christmas hamper program, alone, helped over 300 families celebrate the Christmas season with dignity.

Salvation Army East City Corps Captain Mat Badger and Howick Family Store manager Alexis Vining with a red collection bin. “What it basically meant was that no one could really raise the total by themselves, but every penny, dime or nickel helps us reach our goal so we can assist people in the community who need help”. “Every bit helps”, Valentine said.

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Talley said if no one answers the call to leave a message and someone will call back and donations are always welcome at anytime by contacting any Salvation Army board member.

This year, 856 children have been signed up for the program, said coordinator Lucinda Semsick.

Stop by our All Day Bell Ring at Des Peres Dierbergs at 1080 Lindemann Road on Friday, December 9 from 6am – 7pm.

In the last quarter of 2015, more than 14,000 parcels were sent to families, 4,553 of which were new families.

The Give a Christmas campaign begins today and will be highlighted daily in the Community section of The Times.

Stockings for children will also be available for people to fill and they an be picked up at the thrift store.

Since the kickoff, “in those first couple of days, we raised $3,500”, said Beverleigh Broughton, director of community and family services for the local Salvation Army. 22News found out how the Salvation Army’s kettle drive helps those in need.

“But it has to be a collective effort”, he said.

“Everything raised in Fulton County, stays in Fulton County”, she said.

Lunenburg Selectman Tom Alonzo and Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale also spoke on Saturday.

They said if you bring in a frozen turkey to the Salvation Army, you will receive a $5 gift card from Sheetz.

They say that this year, about 14 hundred people are expected to be fed at the annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Santa Claus arrived at the event on a Fitchburg firetruck and Salvation Army Assistant Musical Division Director Anne Rich led several children in song.