HUNTSVILLE — The Salvation Army’s famous red kettles date to 1891, a throwback on the iron kettles used in ports of call to collect coins to help feed the poor. The Salvation Army of Huntsville is putting a historic spin on those red kettles this year when they launched their Love Beyond Christmas holiday season campaign Friday.
The Love Beyond Christmas fundraising campaign supports thousands of Huntsville’s underserved during the Christmas season but the funds also continue to do good throughout the entire year.
While the classic Ringing at the Red Kettle returns to select retailers, the latest addition is the Red Kettle Challenge, a friendly competition that encourages local businesses, organizations, and families to raise at least $1,000 for the Salvation Army, after which they then challenge others to do the same.
The #RedKettleChallenge initiative begins Friday, Nov. 18 with a kickoff at locations across the Huntsville community.
The Love Beyond Christmas campaign also includes the classic Salvation Army holiday program Angel Tree, to provide children with Christmas gifts during the holidays to reduce the financial strain on families. Angel Tree quickly filled up with 500 families in need this year, while Angel adoptions began Friday at Parkway Place Mall, at the Salvation Army of Huntsville corporate office at 2114 Oakwood Avenue, and online by clicking here. Adoptions are only available through Dec. 15.
“We have an opportunity to help thousands of families have an uplifting holiday season,” said the Salvation Army of Huntsville Major Mark Smith. “We know that this will be a challenging year for our holiday efforts, but we are determined to rally the Huntsville community in the spirit of Christmas and bring joy to those families and individuals in need.”
There are volunteer and paid opportunities to serve as a bell ringer this holiday season and Salvation Army Huntsville is still seeking bell ringers for the Ringing at the Red Kettle.
Other available volunteer opportunities include helping with the Angel Tree in stores, in the Angel Tree warehouse, Angel Tree gift distribution, and delivering holiday meals.
If you are interested in becoming a paid bell ringer or have questions regarding any Salvation Army program, please call (256) 536-5576.
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