Bells rings for annual Red Kettle campaign | Local news



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A familiar sound of the season is being heard again as the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign is underway.

For about a week, ringtones were placed in kettles installed in various stores in the community. It is hoped that this year's campaign will raise $ 152,000.

This money will be used to fund programs offered by the Grand Island Salvation Army.

"It helps us do what we do," said Lieutenant Liza Azala of the Salvation Army.

The money will be used, among other things, to finance operating costs, pay employees, make improvements to the shelter and purchase the necessary supplies and food.

The campaign started on November 16 and will last until 14 hours. Christmas Eve.

"It's a wonderful community with beautiful people. They have already given to kettles, "Azala said.

The Red Kettle Campaign is an iconic fundraiser for the Salvation Army. The vacation tradition began in 1891 in San Francisco to offer a free Christmas dinner to the poor. The idea has spread and is now seen in cities across the country.

People standing in front of kettles and bells are a key part of the campaign. Volunteers and paid staff are used to fulfilling these roles, although preference is given to those who give their time and will ring for free.

"The volunteers are always better. When we have volunteers, 100% of what happens in kettles comes to us, "said Azala, instead of using some to pay the bells.

Having someone stationed at the kettle increases donations. Azala said the bell ringers were a friendly face and also attracted the attention of passers-by.

To volunteer, visit www.ringgrandisland.com. Ring tones are required to fill the hours from 10:00 to 20:00. Monday to Saturday. Azala said they were asking people to sign up for two-hour shifts. Kettle locations include Ace Hardware, Hobby Lobby, Hy-Vee, JC Penney, Sam's Club, Shopko and Super Saver, Walgreens and WalMart stores.

The Red Kettle campaign is a good way for businesses to get involved during the holiday season, Azala said. A company may have volunteer employees to ring the bells or sponsor a kettle and then match all or part of what is produced from this kettle.

Azala hopes that the community of Grand Island will help the Salvation Army achieve its goal.

"I pray, I pray that the Lord will bless these kettles and that everything we report will be doubled, so we will not only achieve our goal, but we will go beyond it," she said.

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