The Salvation Army in Summit County to honor The Junior League of Akron at Annual Event
AKRON, OH (October 29th, 2026) – In April 2026, The Junior League of Akron hosted “A Century in Bloom: Women Leading with Purpose Centennial Celebration Gala”. During the event, The Salvation Army Summit County Area Services formally announced that it will present its 22nd Community Medal Award to The Junior League of Akron. The organization will officially receive this honor on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at The Salvation Army’s annual luncheon that launches the iconic Red Kettle holiday campaign throughout the county.
The Salvation Army’s Community Medal Award honors individuals or organizations who have made a significant impact on the Greater Akron community through professional and/or volunteer work.
“We are proud to recognize The Junior League of Akron as they exemplify this award with their commitment to altruistic volunteerism and community-changing work that has spanned over the past century,” stated Captain Bramwell Applin, Area Coordinator of The Salvation Army in Summit County.
For one hundred years, the Junior League of Akron has been a pillar of community involvement. Beginning in 1923 as the Junior Charity League, they joined the Association of Junior Leagues International in 1926. The JLA has launched programs that have strengthened the community, like Mary Day Nursery, which laid the foundation for Akron Children’s Hospital. The JLA is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The JLA’s Centennial year project is devoted to addressing Period Poverty, the lack of access to menstrual products, which affects 16.9 million women nationally. Through the hard work and dedication of its members, the League has built a legacy of service that has inspired generations to lead with purpose and compassion.
“For 100 years, Junior League of Akron has had a legacy of impact throughout Summit County. Like The Salvation Army, they are a long-standing nonprofit in the Akron area dedicated to making a positive difference in our community. We look forward to recognizing them for their significant contributions at our upcoming luncheon,” states Captain Applin.
Summit County has issued two special proclamations to honor both Junior League of Akron and The Salvation Army in Summit County. The City of Hudson has proclaimed that October 20, 2026, will be known as “Red Kettle Day”. Additionally, Thursday, November 5th, 2026, will be known as “Junior League of Akron Centennial Day,” per Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro.
After receiving the proclamation from the Hudson City Council, Applin stated, “We are deeply grateful to the dedicated volunteers of the Hudson Service Unit and the Hudson Community Foundation for their generous support and partnership in meeting the needs of Hudson residents. We couldn’t do this meaningful work without them.”
The Community Medal Awards event also officially starts The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, an iconic fundraiser that sustains year-round programs serving over 800,000 services and distributing nearly a million pounds of food to over 67,000 neighbors in need across Summit County in 2025. Contributions support critical wrap-around services including:
- Emergency food programs – hot meals, pantry services, drive-thru mass distributions, and emergency disaster relief
- Homelessness prevention and housing stability – rent and utility assistance, hot showers, and clothing
- Early education and enrichment programs – preschool and childcare, afterschool and summer enrichment, music and arts, and youth recreation
“As our neighbors in need are facing rising costs of gas, food, and other essentials, The Salvation Army of Summit County is here to help. We are grateful to the many generous local businesses, organizations, and individuals who partner with us in this work through supporting our luncheon in November and their warm-hearted donations throughout the year,” said Applin.
The Salvation Army Summit County Area Services invites local businesses, organizations, and individuals to save the date, sponsor, and attend the Red Kettle Kickoff and Community Medal Award Luncheon on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 11:30am to 1:00pm at St. George Fellowship Hall in Fairlawn in celebration of The Junior League of Akron and in support of this lifesaving mission.
For event details on the Community Medal Awards Luncheon including sponsorship opportunities, or to make a donation, please contact Elizabeth Kargbo, Director of Development, at elizabeth.kargbo@use.salvationarmy.org or 330-434-7110.