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The Salvation Army Set to Kick Off 2009 Red Kettle Campaign and will Introduce Credit Card Machines at Kettles
On Friday, November 13, the familiar sounds of bells will begin to chime throughout Central Virginia as The Salvation Army kicks off its annual Red Kettle Campaign at numerous locations throughout the area.
The 2009 Red Kettle Campaign begins on Friday, November 13 and will run every day through Thursday, December 24 except for Thanksgiving Day and Sundays.
In 2008, donors dug deep into their pockets and more than $367,000 was collected through the Red Kettle Campaign in Central Virginia.
The goal for the 2009 campaign is $260,000 for the metropolitan Richmond area and $100,000 for the Tri-Cities.
New for 2009, The Salvation Army will introduce hand-held credit card machines at select kettle locations. The machines, tested by The Salvation Army in the western U.S. in 2008, will accept all major credit and debit cards.
"We're excited about making the latest in technology available to those who support the red kettle campaign," said Captain David Worthy.
"Every penny, nickel, dime and dollar bill adds up and allows us to meet the increasing demand for services to those in need and we're hopeful that the credit card terminals will provide donors with another viable means through which to contribute."
Red Kettle proceeds are used to provide Christmas assistance to thousands of children and families and support The Salvation Army's programs and services through the first quarter of each year.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 by Captain Joseph McFee of San Francisco as a way to raise funds to provide Christmas dinner to the area's poor. He remembered collection pots from his days as a sailor and quickly secured permission to place pots throughout the city, thus launching a tradition that spread not only throughout the United States, but around the world, and has since grown to become The Salvation Army's largest yearly fundraiser.
For more information, please contact Jeff Baldwin at (804) 591-3818.