The Salvation Army will participate in 'Red Kettle Challenge'
Lexington – The Salvation Army is continuing an annual event that raised more than $500,000 nationally in just four hours last year—the National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge. The organization is raising the stakes in 2021, doubling the goal to $1 million in four hours nationally. The local chapter of The Salvation Army is throwing its hat in the ring from 3pm-7pm, Friday, December 3, Wal-Mart Supercenter Lexington to compete while raising funds for services in Davidson County amid the holidays and into the new year.
“We spend more than a month each year ringing the bell so we can provide Christmas gifts, food, and more to families around the holidays,” said Major Ray Morton, corps officer of The Salvation Army of Davidson County. “The National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge is a rallying cry for our supporters and a boost of excitement to get out there and do our best on December 3rd.”
The event winner will receive internal recognition by the national leadership of the organization and a special spotlight video of their preferred local program.
But Major Ray Morton sees the prize as the additional community support during a four-hour window of incredible public generosity.
“It’s a prize in itself when people from all walks of life give what they can to help others at the kettle,” said Major Ray Morton “Raising $1 million nationally this year will be a sign to everyone that there are a lot of caring people out there.”
Funds raised through the red kettles stay local to support services during the holidays and into the new year.
Major Ray Morton is calling on everyone in Davidson County to come out to the kettle at Wal-Mart Supercenter Lexington on December 3rd from 3:00pm – 7:00pm and give what they can during the National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge for their neighbors in need.
With a total Red Kettle Campaign goal of raising $120,000 The Salvation Army of Davidson County is hoping to provide new Christmas gifts to 750 children through the Angel Tree program.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, The Salvation Army of Davidson County has provided 14, 546 meals, 593 food boxes, 353 emotional and spiritual care sessions, 43 households in rent assistance and 156 households for utility assistance.
Now more than ever, The Salvation Army needs everyone’s support to ensure that hope marches on for struggling families and individuals. The following options are available for those wishing to help in Davidson County:
Enlist in Love's Army with a sustaining gift of $25 per month at www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/davidsoncounty
Contact your local office and sign up to volunteer at a red kettle or distribute Angel Tree gifts to children in need
The Salvation Army is applying national safety protocols at all red kettles to ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors, and partners
Donate digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo at any red kettle
Donate cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum for the first year ever
Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying, "Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army," then specifying the amount
Give any amount by texting "KETTLES" to 51555
Provide new toys and clothing through The Salvation Army Angel Tree for local children of families in need
Visit www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/davidsoncounty to learn more about how you can help this year. If you need services or know someone in need, then call 336-481-7324 ext.2 to ask about available local services.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
