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Rescue Christmas
Service clubs and volunteers are encouraged to sign up for bell-ringing starting Nov.13. With bell ringing locations across the city, The Salvation Army is looking for support from the community as we "Rescue Christmas" for the countless people in our community who have been affected by the ongoing pandemic. Help us help others!
The Golden Kettle /A/Capt. Mika Roinila
Consider having a Counter Kettle at your work location! /A/Capt. Mika Roinila
Are you ready to help The Salvation Army "Rescue Christmas"? The annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign in Grand Rapids is almost here and hopes are high as we plan to help countless people who have been affacted by the COVID Pandemic. The bell-ringing season starts officially at 12:00 noon on Nov.13 with a Kettle Kick-off ceremony to be held in front of Fulton Heights Citadel at 1235 Fulton Street East. The ceremony will include a bagpiper, a Salvation Army brass band, the Emergency Disaster Service Canteen, and a large Red Kettle that will be parked in the parking lot. The ceremony will culminate in the revealing of The Salvation Army’s "Rescue Christmas" Red Kettle Campaign goal for all of Kent County.
This year The Salvation Army will have bell ringers at a total of 38 kettle locations that will be spread across the city. Due to the COVID pandemic this year, the campaign in Grand Rapids will look a little different. Social distancing protocols and masks will be implemented at all kettle locations. Also, many more counter kettles will be used this year at businesses that don’t require bell ringers. For example, all 18 Walgreen locations in the city will have counter kettles only. If you own a business that could help by placing a counter kettle at your location, please contact Capt. Mika Roinila at 616-454-1459 and The Salvation Army will enlist your help!
With several new kettle locations, The Salvation Army hopes that the available spots for volunteers will receive more coverage. The Salvation Army encourages community groups and service clubs to volunteer as well. “We are excited to announce the return of the Golden Kettle Competition in Grand Rapids for 2020. It’s a new year, and a new competition for local service clubs to participate in” exclaims Auxiliary Captain Mika Roinila. Last year in its inaugural season, the travelling Golden Kettle was awarded to the Golden K Kiwanis Club under the leadership of Gloria Cangelosi. This year, the Golden “K” are ready to try again, but other service clubs are sure to participate as well. “Last year we had the Kiwanis, Rotarians, and Lions clubs competing. But I know there are other clubs in the city too. If clubs are serious about maximizing their efforts, I can say that the top five locations last year for bell ringing in the city were the Walmart stores, Forest Hills Foods, Hobby Lobby stores, Sam’s Clubs, and Macy’s. It’s going to be an exciting year!” adds A/Capt. Roinila.
Volunteer sign-ups are available starting Oct.12 on http://www.registertoring.com and everyone – individuals and groups - can pick their shifts, locations, and dates online. And don't forget to consider helping with counter kettles! The Salvation Army appreciates your help!
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