Christmas kettles return to Red Deer

“It’s a great community, that’s for sure”, said Maj Larry Bridger, Red Deer Salvation Army Corps Officer, in a press release. Without people to ring the bell, we can’t put the kettles out. He said in years past, either people who registered haven’t shown up, or donations have been light.

Last year’s kettle campaign raised $247,000; this year’s goal is $250,000.

To become a volunteer bell ringer, call Mae Schuette at 320-587-8289. “Our goal is to raise $18,000 in donations this year”.

He said the kettle drive started earlier this year compared to 2016.

The money helps the Kingsport Salvation Army serve three meals a day, provide temporary shelter to those in need and assist families in other ways throughout the year. Most of it goes for utilities and food. An area organization wants to do that too, but they need your help to make it happen. 221 with the date, time and location of interest.

Currently, 350 volunteers have registered to take on a shift but Speakman says, with 17 kettles, another 100 or more people are needed.

“The VFW is a big part of our success”. It keeps us running all year round.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to participate in the long-standing tradition of ringing the bell at Red Kettle locations this holiday season. Families in need will also receive food for their Christmas dinner. The Salvation Army will accept donations of turkeys during “Let’s Talk Turkey”, a daylong live radio broadcast November 17.