Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kicks Off Friday

Amid the hustle and bustle of those rushing to find the best holiday bargains each year, it seems one thing always stands out: The sound of a clanging handbell borne by a person standing next to a red kettle, waiting to be filled with gifts goodwill.

Nationally,  Selena Gomez will kick off this year’s Red Kettle Campaign, according to The Salvation Army’s website. The actress and recording artist will perform during halftime during Thursday’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and visiting Oakland Raiders. The Cowboys are a partner in the campaign.

Gomez won’t be in St. Charles this week as The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps launches its local Red Kettle Campaign, but the effort has the blessing of the St. Charles City Council, which on Nov. 18, 2013, adopted a proclamation proclaiming Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, as Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Beginning Day in St. Charles.

Mayor Raymond Rogina read the proclamation during the Nov. 18 meeting. Accompanying him was Salvation Army Maj. Jonathan Miller, the pastor of the Tri-City Corps.

The proclamation praises the organization for its importance to the history of St. Charles and for providing spiritual and physical contributions to the city. The campaign, the proclamation states, “is as traditional as Christmas itself …”

That has become more true year after year, since the Red Kettle Campaign first started at a Salvation Army in San Francisco in 1891. Since then, it has become ubiquitous from town to town across the nation. The sound of handbells and the sight of a red kettle stand out among holiday shoppers.

The campaign relies on the season’s goodwill with hopes that shoppers will drop their spare change, or perhaps a buck or two, into the kettle. For years now, the campaign has prompted some anonymous donor or donors to drop gold coins into the kettles.

What’s the money raised go to? The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps uses it to provide food baskets to to those who might otherwise go hungry during the holiday season, as well as to provide toys and warm clothing to area children in need, as well as gifts to nursing home residents.