It’s Red Kettle Day In Metro Detroit: Donate To Make A Difference

Even though the Salvation Army has received plenty of donations for kids 0-12, there’s still another group that needs a little more attention.

Just in case you didn’t know, The Salvation Army relies on money raised in the Red Kettles – in coins, dollars and credit card gifts – to serve almost 30 million people annually in more than 5,000 communities nationwide.

Registrations for food hampers and assistance are already up from 2014 and the Army expects to service 375 to 400 families who won’t have a Christmas meal or toys for their children this year without help. This year, the organization was able to provide gifts for a thousand families and more than 2,500 people.

Drew Forster, a spokesman for the organization, said they are usually around the halfway mark of their goal during mid-December, but this year they are slightly behind schedule.

The Salvation Army unveiled its new tote board, with red Christmas lights to keep tabs on its annual Red Kettle campaign, today at the same time it revealed its record-setting Match Day tally of $161,718. “In fact, it took us until 9:00 this morning, but every child and every angel has been met”, said Captain Stephen Correira, the commanding officer with the Texarkana Salvation Army. “We appreciate the donor’s incredible gesture and that person’s support for The Salvation Army”. Last year, the newspaper drive brought in about 1,600. Donate $25 or more to help cover the costs of food, clothes and more for those in need so they can celebrate Christmas.

“Please auction this off in memory of my Aunt Doris, whom your program helped many many many years ago”, read the note.

Anyone looking to donate can do so via a Kettle Bell or online. “We are blessed to be part of a community that is willing to share that kind of joy with others”, said Allison.