KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign is a Christmas tradition that has been around for more than 130 years.
This year, amid covid-19, Major Glen Caddy of Salvation Army Kent County says; "We are looking to serve more than 2,200 families during Christmas time, which is twice as many as we had last year."
Those donations from the red kettle campaign will be used to support after school programs for kids, socialization and feeding programs for seniors, housing assistance for families, substance abuse programs, and emergency food pantries.
Wednesday myself and Savannah Fish rang bells for the red kettle campaign at the D&W on Knapp's Corner in Grand Rapids.
While ringing one donor walked up to us to share her story of how Salvation Army helped save a loved one's life.
She shared, "So December 10th, 39 years ago my dad went into Salvation Army and they were the only people who would take him in for drinking."
"He went through their 30 days sober program, and after 30 days, never drank again a day in his life," shared the woman.
“If it wasn’t for Salvation Army he would have probably died.”
Major Glen says this woman's story is one of many across the country.
Currently the Salvation Army is in need of funds, and volunteers. Their volunteer number is down majorly due to the pandemic and people not wanting to go out.
The Salvation Army of Kent County says any donation given during December 22nd-24th will be matched dollar for dollar.
This is part of the "Give Once; Bless Twice" initiative.
You can donate to the Salvation Army by clicking here.
