The Salvation Army needs help to reach their Red Kettle goal

The sound of tinkling bells and sight of red kettles outside stores are iconic symbols of the Salvation Army during the holiday season, encourage people to give to its annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign, but this year donations are down — donations that are much needed to fund programs throughout the year to help Milford area residents.

“Compared to last year, we are 6,590.04 behind where we were last year as of Dec. 2nd.” said Lieutenant Marsha Barter Milford Salvation Army coordinator.

This year’s goal is $55,000 and I pray that we can make our goal but there are only two weeks left in the drive and that’s a lot to make up. The campaign, the largest for the Salvation Army, started Nov. 19th.

“We desperately need volunteers to help stand kettles, without volunteers we can’t have the kettles out for people to give.”

Money is critical to support and continue the Salvation Army’s work.

“This money stays local and goes toward all of our programs that we do through the year,” Lieutenant Justin Barter said. “We have our food pantry, emergency services, children’s programs, music programs, adult programs.”

“Even just two hours of bell ringing can help us feed a family for a week.” Says Lieutenant Marsha. “If you can spare two hours you’d really be making a difference.”

To sign up to ring the bell call the main office or email Justin.barter@use.salvationarmy.org

Donations can be made at a kettle, online or mailed to the office at 29 Congress Street Milford MA.