Salvation Army Kettles Will Be Out Soon

ANN ARBOR — The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County will celebrate the launch of its 2011 Red Kettle Campaign with a kick-off event  Friday, Nov. 11 at Briarwood Mall.

The event will take place at noon in the Von Maur seating area on the south side of the shopping center, and will feature representatives from The Salvation Army and special guest Santa Claus.

Beginning Friday, The Salvation Army's iconic red kettles will be stationed at more than 35 locations throughout Washtenaw County. Bell ringers will collect donations through Saturday, Dec. 24 (excluding Thanksgiving and Sundays).

This year’s Red Kettle campaign goal is to raise $300,000 to provide vital social services such as food and shelter to Washtenaw County residents.

“We’ve experienced an 80 percent increase in demand for food and a 50 percent increase for utility assistance over last year,” said Washtenaw County Salvation Army Coordinator Major John Williams. “Funds raised through our Red Kettle campaign provide critical services such as these for families in need. Every dollar dropped in one of our kettles makes a difference.”

The Salvation Army is also seeking community volunteers to ring bells during the Red Kettle Campaign. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer bell ringer visit www.registertoring.com.

Contributions can also be made online at www.sawashtenaw.org.

The Salvation Army uses an average of $.82 of every dollar donated to provide a food pantry, soup kitchen, clothing, a family shelter, transitional housing and counseling for veterans, character building for youth, camp programs, emergency and disaster relief, utility assistance and eviction prevention.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. Operating in Washtenaw County for more than 100 years, the non-profit addresses the physical and spiritual needs of the area through various programs and service centers located in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Essential services provided by The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County include a food pantry, soup kitchen, clothing, an emergency family shelter, transitional housing and counseling for veterans, character building for youth, camp programs, emergency and disaster relief, utility assistance and eviction prevention. For information visit www.sawashtenaw.org or call 734-668-8353.

You can become a fan of The Salvation Army on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@sawashtenaw).

(This article was submitted by The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County)