MOUNT VERNON — Capt. Christine Moretz kicked off The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign on Tuesday with a message of joy, hope, and love for the community.
This year’s theme is Hope Marches On. The 2021 bell-ringing goal is $85,000.
Noting that The Salvation Army proclaims hope to the world through ringing the bell, Moretz said, “It is a great joy and privilege for me to kick off our annual fundraising today and to declare hope, joy and love for our community.”
“Last year, you helped us rescue Christmas, but the need for support continues to help ensure hope marches on,” she told those gathered at Baker’s IGA. “This holiday season is filled with joy for many; however, there are also many who continue to battle the effects of pandemic poverty. Need knows no season.”
Moretz said that in today’s world, people are being robbed of hope. Troubles, sufferings, and problems come in waves, and people are continually at new beginnings.
“In all this discouragement, with all of the uncertainty, things might look hopeless. However, I am here to tell you today my friends, hope marches on,” she said, quoting I Peter 1:3.
Noting that the Army stands ready to bring hope and salvation to the world, to share the love of God, and to meet human need in His name without discrimination, Moretz said that can only be done “with the army alongside the Army.”
“That is why we continue to ring the bells. Bells that ring out hope and joy and peace for each one of us,” she said. “Mount Vernon and Knox County have always stepped up to assist friends and neighbors. We live in a wonderfully generous community, and it is because of that generosity that we are able to help so many, not only at Christmas time, but all year long.
“The Bible tells us that it is a blessing to receive but it is more of a blessing to give. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Thank you for helping us help others.”
Bell-ringers will be out through Dec. 24 at a number of locations throughout the city. Residents can support the 2021 campaign in other ways:
•Digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay at any red kettle
•Through the Army’s Facebook page: The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon
•Online at www.salvationarmyohio.org/Mountvernon
•Text MTVKETTLE to 41444
•Make a monthly gift of $25
“Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within this community,” Moretz said. “Thank you for joining us this year as together we proclaim ‘Hope Marches On’ in Knox County. I am excited to know that together we will raise the funds that we need.”
The Army will once again offer the opportunity to help through its angel trees. Angel tags are available at all kettle stands and at The Salvation Army, 206 E. Ohio Ave. Other tree locations will be announced.
Residents who would like to ring a bell can sign up at SAVOLUNTEER.ORG.
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