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The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is On!

The Salvation Army
11/15/21 12:01pm
city Nonprofit Dispatches

This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign got off to a great start last Friday with many people attending the ceremonial kick-off at the Kroc Center. Be on the lookout for the red kettles, as bell ringers are now out in full force across the city.
The Red Kettle Campaign kicks-off at the Kroc Center last Friday.

The Red Kettle Campaign kicks-off at the Kroc Center last Friday. /A/Capt. Mika Roinila

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood

Many thanks to our high school volunteers! Here A/Capt. Mika Roinila is with Grace Kincaid at the D&W Store in Caledonia.

Many thanks to our high school volunteers! Here A/Capt. Mika Roinila is with Grace Kincaid at the D&W Store in Caledonia. /A/Capt. Mika Roinila

The Kentwood Rotary Club started quickly as they defend the Golden Kettle in this years’ service club competition!

The Kentwood Rotary Club started quickly as they defend the Golden Kettle in this years’ service club competition! /A/Capt. Mika Roinila

Last Friday was the kick-off to the 2021 Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. A ceremonial event was held at The Salvation Army Kroc Center with several dignitaries present, including Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and SpartanNash representatives. The goal for the Red Kettle Campaign that covers all of Kent County is $1.6 million dollars, and the needed support will go to helping Salvation Army programs across the county.

A pleasant surprise thus far has been the number of volunteers who have signed up to ring bells for The Salvation Army. According to Auxiliary Captain Mika Roinila who coordinates the county wide volunteer bell-ringing effort, “more volunteers have signed up to this point on registertoring.com than in any of the past two years.” The quest for the “Golden Kettle Award” is underway as service clubs begin to raise support and compete for the annual prize. Weekly updates on the competition will appear in The Rapidian.

It is also hoped that a First Responders Bell Ringing Challenge will bring out local police, fire, and EMS departments from across the county to compete against each other. There are nearly 50 kettles across Kent county where bell ringers are stationed. There are also some 40 counter kettles in gas stations, restaurants, and other smaller businesses. So where does all the money go that is raised? Everything that is raised stays in Grand Rapids to support the many programs that The Salvation Army provides. These include the Emergency Disaster Services; the Little Pine Island Camp and Retreat Center; the Adult Rehabilitation Center; the After-school Program and the Seniors' Program at Fulton Heights Corps Community Center; the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center; the Turning Point Programs; and Kent County Social Services that offers energy assistance, emergency food assistance, the Pathway of Hope program, and housing services. 

In short, the need for YOUR support is great! Tis' the season for giving. If you are interested in volunteering, visit https://www.registertoring.com to find a location, date, and time the fits you best! And when you pass by a Red Kettle - help us help others by putting something in the kettle.

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