The Salvation Army has launched its iconic Red Kettle campaign, one of its most important fundraising efforts of the year. The Red Kettle campaign kicked off Nov. 17 and will run through Dec. 23. Kettles can be found in more than 50 locations around Charlotte throughout the season, with scores more throughout the metro area. For those who don’t carry cash, you can conveniently give to the Red Kettle campaign online, or text “KettleCLT” to 71777.
“The support we receive each Christmas through the Red Kettle campaign is critical to meeting the needs of people in our community throughout the year,” said Major Larry Broome, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. “The money raised through the Red Kettle effort helps people at Christmas time and supports our year-round programs to care for homeless women; mentor at-risk youth; and provide other critical services to those in need. A little change goes a long way to foster lasting transformation in our community.”
A kickoff celebration was held Friday morning at the corner of Trade & Tryon streets in Uptown Charlotte. It is a spot that is of special significance, as Independence Square was the location of the central Kettle House for a number of years, starting in the mid-1940s. At the celebration, longtime friend of The Salvation Army, No Limit Larry, from local radio station Power 98 spoke and made the ceremonial first contribution. Members of the Charlotte Rotary Club were on hand to be the first bellringers of the season. The Charlotte Rotary, represented at the kickoff event by president Katie Tyler and other members, have been Red Kettle volunteer partners ringing at the uptown location since the mid-1990s.
The Red Kettle Campaign has been a staple of the Christmas season for more than 125 years. There are still opportunities to serve as a volunteer bell-ringer. To sign up, visit RegistertoRing.com.