This is the time of the year that everyone seems to want to donate to charities. One charity is prominent each winter; Salvation Army. Walk into many a store and you will pass a Salvation Army Red Kettle. But, what is the Red Kettle all about and what does the Salvation Army do with the money raised? These are questions that my kids have been asking and ones I wanted to share the answers today with you.
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Influence Central for The Salvation Army. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
What is the Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army is not a new organization. In fact, the Army was originally established in London in 1865. They have been helping people for nearly 150 years internationally and for more than 130 years in the United States.
- In 2013, The Salvation Army’s 3,600 officers, 59,000 employees and 3.4 million volunteers served nearly 30 million Americans in need. That’s almost one person, every second, every day.
- The Army has nearly 7,600 centers of operation covering nearly every zip code in the country.
- They also have a worldwide presence, providing assistance to people in more than 120 countries and territories around the world.
So what is with that Red Kettle and why is it out around Christmastime?
Money given to the kettles enable The Salvation Army to bring the spirit of Christmas to those who would otherwise be forgotten all year long – to the aged and lonely, the ill, the inmates of jails and other institutions, the poor and unfortunate.
The Salvation Army’s Captain McFee in San Francisco had resolved in December of 1891 to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area’s poor. But how would he pay for the food? As he went about his daily tasks, the question stayed in his mind. Suddenly, his thoughts went back to his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England. On the Stage Landing, where the boats came in, he saw a large pot into which charitable donations were thrown by passersby.
On the next morning, he secured permission from the authorities to place a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing, at the foot of Market Street. No time was lost in securing the pot and placing it in a conspicuous position so that it could be seen by all those going to and from the ferryboats. Thus, Captain Joseph McFee launched a tradition that has spread not only throughout the United States, but throughout the world.
Kettles can now be found online and at sites in many foreign countries such as Korea, Japan, and Chile, many European countries and Australia. Online Red Kettles make donating even simpler and have raised millions of dollars in donations over the past seven years.
What makes this year different for the Salvation Army Red Kettles?
This year, the Salvation Army is embracing social media. They want people to think about and share how their donation is making a difference. They ask that you share your reason for giving with the #RedKettleReason hashtag. Your reason, as well as those of anyone else who uses the hashtag, can be found on RedKettleReason.org. In doing this, you can see what the rest of America is giving to the Salvation Army!
I mentioned above that the Salvation Army is widespread. Their goodness is seen and felt by many. Last year, our area was hit by a tornado. The houses in one neighborhood were demolished, those in another damaged enough that people could no longer live in them until fixed. The Salvation Army was there. They brought food, water, blankets, and other items to those that were helping clean up. They offered those displaced help with temporary housing, clothing, and other necessary items to live. They made a difference in the lives of so many of my neighbors, neighbors that were dealt an unfortunate hand. So many were thankful to the Salvation Army for their kindness and generosity in this very difficult time.
I have talked to my kids about the Red Kettles. They love to hear the bell and know that they are helping others. It may only be the change in my pocket, but we always donate when we walk past. We have our own #RedKettleReason to donate. We want everyone to have a meal in their stomach, clothes on their back, and a place to lay their head at night.
Debi says
We have been on the receiving end of the Salvation Army many years ago. Now that I am not, I give as much as I can.
Courtney Pies says
I try to donate to the Red Kettle as much as possible! I love how much good it does!
Carly Anderson says
I love all of the good the Red Kettle does. I try to donate as much as I can.
Eliz Frank says
I see their volunteers around town and at all my supermarkets and discount stores. I believe in giving back even if we have so little ourselves. It’s a great global charity.
Krystal says
I always donate when I see one! They are so helpful.
Esther says
I also try and give my daughters some change out of my purse to put in those red buckets when we are leaving a store. They get so much enjoyment in putting it in there and knowing it will help someone else.
Liz Mays says
I am going to have to mail a check in this year because I haven’t seen even one red kettle this year. I saw a stand but nobody was manning it. I usually see them ALL the time!
Jillian Fisher says
I always donate when I see them around, but I haven’t seem them anywhere this year.
LifeAsAConvert says
I am always amazed when I hear stories of people donating anonymously thousands of dollars or their wedding jewelry..
Barbara Montag says
I donate small amounts to the Red Kettle.
I also volunteer at our food shelf & I see there how needs are increasing.
thanks for the post
Rosey says
We did our donation today! I always support the red kettle, and hubby does too.
Dhemz Apdian - Dias says
giving back is always a great thing….I love the SA’s mission!
Sarh S says
Even though we’ve needed help from the Salvation Army and haven’t much money we still give what little change we can spare.
Amber NElson says
So many reasons to give. You just never know if one day you may need the help either.
maggie says
I always donate to Salvation Army. They have helped me with toys for my kids when I needed it.
Marya says
There are lots of great reasons to give! Such a good organization, and so hard-working!
Angela says
The Salvation Army does such amazing work. I love how they have found a way to reach even more people.
Megan Elford says
The Salvation Army does so many wonderful things, especially around Christmas. Such a great cause to donate to!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I always donate when I walk by a red kettle. It’s such a great cause.
Jennifer Corter says
While my family and I do not donate to the Salvation Army because of personal reasons, we do choose a local shelter or food bank each year and donate to them. 🙂
Aisha Kristine Chong says
I don’t know for me… when I ask myself.. I ask back – is there really a reason to give? I don’t know. I give because I want to.. not having any reason whatsoever at all. It’s purely HEART.
Sarah Bailey says
I got a parcel from the Salvation army one year – I remember coming home and it was on my doorstep, I sat and cried my eyes out, I was in an awful place emotionally at the time and it meant so much to me.
Amanda Love says
We just donated in front of our mall a week ago. I always donate, after all the Salvation Army has been around helping others for a very long time.
Pam says
I give because it is the right thing to do. There are so many people out there that are less fortunate than I am and my family. This is a great campaign.
maria says
I never knew the back story but we always give. It’s so needed this time of year!
Laura says
My kids love to put money or change in them if we are out and see them while we are shopping. They know it goes to help people in need. We also donate all of our used clothes and things we don’t need or use anymore to the salvation army.
Stefany says
You are good people Laura. I am proud to say you are my friend. 🙂