INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Everyone has seen them. Every year people come to expect them. They are in front of Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, and Publix, accompanied by the sound of ringing bells.
Starting Friday Nov. 28, the Salvation Army’s Christmas Red Kettle campaign kicks off at more than 15 locations throughout Indian River County, ushering in the holiday season with five weeks of fund raising.
The proceeds from the campaign primarily help the Salvation Army’s numerous programs, including the mobile feeding canteen, social services, rental and utilities assistance, food pantry, and children’s after school activities for the 2015 year.
“Our year-round service provides help to hundreds of people throughout the year,” said Major Sam VanDenberg. “The kettles support our Christmas programs, but also support programs all year.”
The tradition of the red kettle is nearly as old as the Salvation Army itself, going back more than 100 years.
Started in San Francisco by Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee, the officer wanted to provide 1,000 free Christmas dinners to help the poor but had no way to pay for it.
As the story goes, McFee positioned a large black pot on the docks near ferry boat landings, drawing donations from passersby and those who traveled by ferry. Thus, the long-standing tradition was born.
Indian River County’s branch of the Salvation Army has been providing Christmas assistance for the past 19 years.
The Indian River County Salvation Army netted $118,000 last year through kettle donations and kettle sponsorships. It is bracing for a tough year this time out, especially with the increased demand of the services and the fact that Thanksgiving is a week later this year.
“We’ve had a dramatic increase in our services this year. Christmas registration has increased by 20 percent this year alone along with having five less days to ring the bell,” said Major Sam.
Volunteer bell ringers are still needed for the five-week campaign, which will total more than 30,000 hours. Some of the locations for red kettles are, Publix, Sam’s Club, Wal-Marts, Post offices and Winn Dixie.
The “Kettle Kick-Off” this year will be held at the Christmas in Downtown Vero event on Nov. 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Treasure and Space Coast Radio. There will also be holiday snacks, coffee and a collection of unwrapped toys for the Angel Tree program that night according to development director John Corapi.
The Salvation Army needs the community’s help as volunteer bell ringers are vital to the fundraiser’s success in helping the most in need, Corapi said. He added, the Salvation Army extends its appreciate to kettle location sponsors, Vero Beach Christian Business Association, The Crockett Group, Christian FM, Florida Power and Light, The Vero Beach Rotary Club Foundation, Spring Hill Suites, The Mayflower Society, Ocean FM and Velde Ford.
For more info on how to help The Salvation Army this holiday season call (772) -978-0265 or visit facebook.com/pages/The-Salvation-Army-of-Indian-River-Co-Fla or website http://www.salvationarmyflorida.org/verobeach/.
