13 November 2013

 THE SALVATION ARMY LAUNCHES RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN

AND HOLIDAY GIVING PROGRAMS

BOISE, IDAHO (November 13, 2013) - Among the many holiday activities that fund its social services programs,  The Salvation Army Boise is set to begin "ringing bells" on Saturday, November 23rd.  The Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettle is more than just a symbol of the holidays, it is also a reminder of the many people who need help over the holidays.   "In order to meet the need in Ada County, we must raise over $1 million dollars in cash and in-kind donations during the holiday season - one third of that amount will be through gifts given to our Red Kettles," says Major John Stennett, Boise Corps Officer and Treasure Valley Coordinator.  "We help people year-round and are helping more people than ever - in 2006 we assisted 6,000 people, and last year The Salvation Army Boise assisted over 20,000 people."

With more than 30 locations across Boise, Meridian and Eagle, every coin and dollar bill dropped in the Red Kettles allows The Salvation Army to help those in need.   Last Christmas, 3,100 children received toys and 2,000 households had enough food for the holidays thanks to holiday gifts from the community.

 
            "We're so humbled by the generosity of the people in the Treasure Valley" says Darvin Pederson who is now in his third year as volunteer Red Kettle Coordinator with his wife Donece.  "We are thankful for our long-standing partnerships with businesses across the area and are always looking for additional locations for our kettles." 

 
In addition to giving to traditional kettles, supporters can also give online through the Online Red Kettle.  "With so many people using debit cards, we know they don't always have cash handy in their wallets," says Kendelle Sundell, Development Manager for The Salvation Army Boise.   "That's why the online Red Kettle is great - it's fast, secure, and easy.  People can make a gift day or night and it helps us meet the need." Donors can visit onlineredkettle.org/Boise to make a donation to help people in Ada County.

The Salvation Army participates in several community-wide holiday events, as well as hosting its own traditional holiday giving programs in the Treasure Valley.  Hundreds of volunteers are needed to run the Red Kettles and other holiday giving programs.

 
2013 Salvation Army Holiday Giving Programs

 
Adopt a Family       

Groups or individuals sponsor a family in need and provide them with stockings and toys for children, along with a traditional ham or turkey dinner complete with all the trimmings.  Dates: November - Christmas Day. Contact: Wendy Wong at (208) 433-4427

Food Drives

Individuals and groups can host a food drive to collect non-perishable and canned food, turkeys and hams. Dates: November - December 22.  Contact: Kendelle Sundell at (208) 383-4235

Angel Trees

Groups such as churches, company employees, and students can host an Angel Tree to collect new toys for children in need. Trees are delivered to the collection site, along with "angel tags" that suggest age-appropriate gifts.  Dates: November to December 15.  Contact: Marvel Wood at (208) 794-1745

Bell Ringers for Red Kettles

Volunteers can ring a bell at Red Kettle stands in Boise, Meridian or Eagle. Monday through Saturday, with morning or afternoon shifts available in two or four hour increments. Singers and musicians are encouraged, and small groups are welcome. The money raised helps support all of The Salvation Army's local programs throughout the year. Dates: November 23 to December 24. Contact: Darvin Pedersen at (208) 863-0156

Boise Holiday Parade

Volunteers carry Red Kettles and collect food items and toys along the downtown Boise parade route. Groups and families are welcome. Date: November 23, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Contact: Kendelle Sundell at (208) 383-4235

Stuff the Bus

Valley Ride and local Fred Meyer stores partner with The Salvation Army for this annual event that provides new toys to children in Ada County.  Volunteers (groups and individuals) help collect the toys donated by shoppers, and later unload the buses.  Date: November 30, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.  Contact: Kendelle Sundell at (208) 383-4235

7 Cares Day

Volunteers help collect donations from the community and/or load donations into barrels and delivery trucks at Channel 7 in Boise and at the Fred Meyer in Eagle at Chinden and Linder. Date: December 7, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Contact: Kendelle Sundell at (208) 383-4235

Wal-Mart Toy Drive

Groups and individuals are needed to help collect donated toys at Wal-Mart locations in Ada County. Date: December 6, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Contact: Kendelle Sundell at (208) 383-4235 

About the Red Kettle Campaign:

From its humble origin as a fundraiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army workers and volunteers spread throughout the country to ring bells and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers.  Last year, money raised helped The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, toys and other assistance to 30 million Americans in need. www.onlineredkettle.org/boise

 
About The Salvation Army Boise:

Since 1887, The Salvation Army Boise has provided help for the most basic needs of local Ada County residents without regard to race, creed or social status.  The Salvation Army's services include programs that help people transition from crisis to safety and stability-365 days a year. Last year, The Salvation Army services assisted 14,000 youth, adults and seniors in Ada County. All local programs are funded 100% by local donations.   www.salvationarmytv.org

 
About The Salvation Army USA:

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need without discrimination since 1865. More than 31 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support these services in more than 5,000 communities nationwide.