This past Friday, November 18 officially kicked off the single busiest time of the year for The Salvation Army: the Red Kettle Campaign. We all see our Corps Officers running around like mad, trying to make sure bell ringers get to their locations on time, making sure there are enough kettles, bells, counters, drivers, and the list goes on. It’s a very important time, as well, since about 70% of our annual budget comes from this fundraising effort. It’s the main way The Salvation Army is able to help those in need, and maintain and operate the Corps we attend.
The sad thing is that some of us don’t lift a finger during this busy time, and there are many ways that your Corps could use some help, I’m sure. Just ask your Corps Officer or Youth Leader! Tell them that you have some spare time, and that you’d like to come in and volunteer a couple of hours one night. I’m POSITIVE they won’t turn you away!
Of course, one the obvious ways you can help out is to volunteer to ring bells for a shift one Saturday. Get your parents, friends, and youth group involved. Literally, the more the merrier! If you don’t have the two hours to ring bells for your Corps (which I highly doubt), then another thing you could do is start your own online kettle. Of course, you could always do this in ADDITION to ringing a few hours at a real live kettle, too.
This year, the Metro Division has made some videos available to walk you through how to run your own online kettle. It’s super easy to set up, and super easy for friends and family to donate. To check out a great example of an awesome online kettle, check mine @ www.onlineredkettle.org/nateirvine.
To start a red kettle, head over to www.onlineredkettle.org, and watch the below videos to walk you through the process: