Indy Red Kettle Campaign Kicks Off
The Salvation Army of Central Indiana is hosting its annual Red Kettle Christmas Kick-Off on Friday, November 12 at the Indiana Historical Society in downtown Indianapolis. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater and is being emceed by Salvation Army Advisory Board member and WTHR meteorologist Chuck Lofton. The Indiana Historical Society will be closed to the public during the event, which is invitation-only to maintain safe occupancy levels.
The annual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $3.3 million through the iconic red kettles located throughout Central Indiana. Back this year is an online peer-to-peer fundraising campaign that invites the public to take an active role in supporting the organization. The Virtual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $50,000 online through the platform, which allows supporters to create their own virtual Red Kettle with a personal fundraising goal. The public can follow and participate in the campaign at salarmy.us/virtualkettle.
"This Christmas fundraising campaign is vital to our annual operations," said Major Marc Johnson, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Indiana Division. "The donations that come in during this brief window make it possible to operate year-round programs that feed, shelter, and nourish our community. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact Hoosiers, we're seeing many people who were once regular donors and volunteers now seeking help, and we want to ensure that The Salvation Army can continue to meet those needs."
The Salvation Army has been responding to the increased need in the community since the earliest days of the pandemic. In recent months, thousands of Hoosiers have turned to The Salvation Army for emergency financial assistance to stay in their homes. This Christmas, struggling families have enrolled in the Angel Tree program to ensure that their children can still experience the joy of gifts under the tree.
The Red Kettle Christmas Kick-Off on Friday will feature the barbershop quartet Brothers of a Chord singing holiday favorites. Special guest speakers will share details about seasonal programs like Angel Tree and upcoming fundraising efforts like the WIBC Radiothon December 10-11. The Salvation Army will also be recognizing several companies, foundations, and individuals that have already made significant gifts this holiday season. After the program, guests will have full access to the Indiana Historical Society to enjoy the Festival of Trees.
Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the annual Red Kettle Campaign provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Central Indiana. Sign up to be a volunteer bell ringer today at RegisterToRing.com.
UPDATE: See photos from this year's Red Kettle Christmas Kick-Off on Flicker HERE.