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Released 2 November 2009
The Salvation Army is preparing to launch its annual Red Kettle Campaign for
Christmas 2009, displaying their iconic Red Kettles at stores and businesses
across Hampton Roads from November 6 through December 24.
In 2008, during the economic downturn, The Salvation Army raised a record
$130 
million nationally,
$298, 000 of which was raised in Hampton Roads and went to assisting those in
need in the region. The Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 when a Salvation
Army officer set up a large pot at the foot of Market St. in San Francisco, CA
to collect money for the poor, by 1895 the campaign had spread to 30 cities
across the country.
To celebrate the kick-off of this year’s Red Kettle Campaign, The
Salvation Army will host an event outside the N. Military Highway Super Kmart
on November 6 beginning at 5pm. The event will feature live music, hot
chocolate and more.
“We’re hoping for the community will support our campaign the
same way they did last year,” said Major Lewis Reckline of The Salvation
Army. “Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant increase in
requests for assistance through all our programs and services.”
As is always the case with the Red Kettle Campaign, volunteer support is
needed. Few know that The Salvation Army often has to pay individuals to ring
bells at the kettles. When a volunteer rings a bell, 83 cents of every dollar
dropped into a kettle goes directly back into Hampton Roads to serve those in
need. Additionally, volunteer bellringers on average raise more per hour, up
to 2 and 3 times more than paid workers. The Salvation Army is one of the only
organizations in the country that boasts of such a high return to the community
per dollar donated.
“There are so many folks out there in need of our services; this year
we have more than 75 locations where we’ll ring bells between November 6
and December 24,” said Major Reckline. “More locations and more
volunteer support should help in supporting our growing client-base.”
Those interested in volunteering should visit salarmyhr.org to see the
schedule of kettle locations, select a desired location and contact The
Salvation Army at (757) 543-8100 x106.
In addition to the more than 75 locations throughout Norfolk, Chesapeake and
Virginia Beach between November 6 and December 24, The Salvation Army is also
proving
donation opportunities through the Online Red Kettle, available at
salarmyhr.org as well as mobile donation opportunities. By texting
‘sal’ to 50555, mobile users can donate $5 to The Salvation
Army.
To support The Salvation Army in doing the most good in Hampton Roads,
please visit salarmyhr.org or call (757) 543-8100.