The Red Kettles Are Coming And The Binghamton Salvation Army Needs You

The Salvation Army has been around since 1865 and has been an evangelical part of the church and the United States ever since. My Grandmother, Marie Kipp was a member of the Salvation Army and when she talked about it, she had such great passion in her voice. It was one of the most rewarding experiences in her life.

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The Salvation Army offers many services in the Southern Tier including food services and a new emergency Women's and Girls hygiene pantry. But if I say "The Salvation Army" to someone, they'll reply with "Red Kettle."

The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army's largest fundraising effort of the year. It supports programs in our area including youth development, disaster relief and other social services.

When I was young, I enjoyed hearing the ringing of the bells on my way into the Oakdale Mall, Walmart or Price Chopper. However, I've noticed that for the past few years, some of those locations were missing the bell ringers.

It wasn't my imagination, there has been a decline of volunteer bell-ringers and they hope to turn that around this Christmas season The Red Kettle Campaign is coming back and will run through December 24th. All the donations to the iconic Red Kettles in our area stay in our community to help our neighbors.

In 2019, Chet Schultz (formerly from Greene) rang the kettle bell at Walmart for 24 hours straight. He was able to get $1,000 for every hour that he rang the bell. In his words, it was a big goal but we have a big God.

The Salvation Army of Binghamton's Red Kettle Campaign

This year's theme will be "Love Beyond”.as they go above and beyond the call. They are still could use some volunteers. Here's a great service project for your group to do together. Contact Captain Joseph Hansen at (607) 722-2987 or The Salvation Army's of Binghamton's Facebook page.