Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign
ALBANY, Ga. – We’re getting closer to kicking off the holiday season, and for the Salvation Army of Albany, they’re gearing up for their biggest fundraiser of the year.
Salvation Army Captain, Tasha Thomas met with with us Wednesday afternoon to talk about kicking off the iconic Red Kettle drive.
“We’re really going to ramp it up this weekend as we will get our major stores on board. Walmart and Sam’s Club are major, major retail stores for us. And, so, we’ll go full on starting this Friday,” Capt. Tasha Thomas, Salvation Army of Albany.
And… one man is already out ringing the bell…
Meet Larry Adams, a local man who had been helped out by the Salvation Army during a difficult time in his life.
And… he’s looking to continue paying it forward.
“I mean, you know, means a lot to me. You know, I enjoy getting there, shakin’ the bell, you know, meeting people, you know, with a smile on the kids’ faces. You know, I’m trying to put back, give back to, you know, where I have took in the past,” said Larry Adams, volunteer, Salvation Army of Albany.
Captain Thomas says the goal is around $65,000 every year, and they were nearly able to meet that goal last year solely through the Red Kettle drive.
“To raise that amount of money just by coins and a few paper dollars. It’s amazing what a couple of pennies from everybody in the community can bring to pass,” said Capt. Thomas.
And… the Salvation Army can never have enough volunteers f0r a drive like this, so they’re encouraging people to sign up as well.
“But, so far, we have hired about 20 bell ringers to help us with our fundraising efforts. And we have countless volunteers calling and trying to get registered for their various organizations to help us out by being volunteers to raise money for us as well,” said Capt. Thomas.
As people like Larry here are collecting donation after donation, the Salvation Army is hoping everyone in the community can spare a dollar or two this holiday season.
And… if you’re interested in signing up to volunteer with the Salvation Army you can call them at (229) 435-1428.
The Red Kettle campaign will run through December 24th.
Brian Roche reporting.
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