Cincinnati, OH (November 13, 2015) – The Salvation Army today announced that it has a fundraising goal of $800,000 for the 2015 Red Kettle Campaign. The annual campaign, which features the iconic red kettles and bell-ringers at area stores, has been a staple of The Salvation Army’s fundraising efforts since the 1890s. The local campaign will start at area Hobby Lobby stores on November 14th and at area Kroger stores on November 16th, with other retail partners such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Macy’s and others joining the campaign after Thanksgiving. The campaign will run through December 24th.
“We’re grateful to all those who make the annual Kettle Campaign a success,” stated Major Larry Ashcraft, Divisional Commander at The Salvation Army. “This is a significant fundraising event in support of our programs, not just at Christmas but throughout the year. We rely upon many great retail partners, staff and bell-ringer volunteers who make it all possible.”
The annual Red Kettle Campaign will feature traditional kettles and bell-ringers at approximately 100 area retail outlets. Typically, bell-ringers are scheduled daily, Monday thru Saturday, from 10 am to 8 pm. In addition to the traditional retail partners, this year’s campaign includes ‘countertop kettles’ at area Gold Star Chili restaurants and Fifth-Third Bank branches throughout the region. Both Gold Star Chili and Fifth-Third Bank stepped up to consider ways that they and their customers could further support The Salvation Army’s mission through the Red Kettle Campaign.
“We’re so thankful for all those who come forward to support this major campaign,” stated Matt Pearce, Development Director at The Salvation Army. “We have many great local corporate partners, as well as volunteers, who make it possible. It’s among our largest funding initiatives for the whole year, so we’re reaching out to the whole community seeking support.” In addition to the kettles at area retailers, supporters are encouraged to donate and encourage others to donate via a 'virtual' kettle, at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/redkettlecincy. "The Mobile Kettle is a great way for anyone to get involved in supporting the campaign, even if they don't regularly visit any of the kettle locations," stated Pearce.
There is a great need for volunteers to be bell-ringers during the campaign, and this provides a tremendous benefit to the mission of The Salvation Army. Those who would like to volunteer as a bell-ringer can visit www.registertoring.com to select a date, timeframe and location to volunteer. For questions about volunteering as a bell-ringer, please contact Kate Hamilton at 513-762-5694, or kate.hamilton@use.salvationarmy.org. Donations can be made to The Salvation Army by visiting the web site (www.salvationarmycincinnati.org), calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or sending a check to 114 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
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