MOUNT VERNON — The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettle is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and Black Friday sales. For more than a century, the red kettles have ushered in a season of helping those in need.
The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon kicked off its 2024 Red Kettle Campaign on Tuesday with the theme “Keep the pot boiling.”
Volunteers will ring bells throughout the city through Dec. 24. Businesses include Baker’s IGA, Big Lots, Walmart, and Kroger.
A new feature for the 2024 campaign is the Tip Tap machine, where donors can donate by simply tapping their credit card. Tip Tap machines will be at Kroger and Walmart.
The kettles also offer Apple Pay or Google Pay with a QR code.
Donors can contribute online at the Army’s Facebook page or website by typing in their zip code. All donations return to Knox County. A sustaining monthly gift is another option.
More than 20 businesses feature a tabletop red kettle.
Those interested in ringing a bell can sign up at registertoring.com.
“Every part is vital and every penny is important. You just never know where that penny is going to go and how God’s going to use it and multiply it for his good, for our good, and for his glory,” Salvation Army Capt. Christine Moretz said.
This is her eighth Christmas in Mount Vernon, an uncommon occurrence for Salvation Army officers.
As she reminisced through pictures of past events since she arrived, she noticed how things changed so the Army could continue to care for people safely.
“It’s been a blessing and a wonderful reminder of how God has worked and to see his hand at work through the years,” she said.
‘Keep the pot boiling’
Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee started the red kettle tradition in 1891. He placed a crab pot at a San Francisco ferry landing to collect money to provide a free Christmas dinner for the city’s destitute and poverty-stricken.
Beside the bucket was a sign reading, “Keep the pot boiling.” As the boats entered the park, people donated money. McFee soon had enough to provide a Christmas meal.
“The idea spread to other cities, and it continues today,” Moretz said.
“The holidays are often called the most wonderful time of the year, but many of our neighbors in need experience them differently. The Salvation Army works to provide food, quality childcare and a bit of holiday joy made possible by the generosity of our local community.”
The 2024 campaign goal is $75,000. Over 3,000 people locally rely on Red Kettle funds that support programs such as the food pantry, utility and rental assistance, and after-school care.
“The holiday brings unique challenges for many in our community, but it also brings out the generosity of those who can help. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward lifting someone out of a hardship,” Moretz said.
However, the bells aren’t just about fundraising for physical needs.
“These bells ring out the sounds of hope for each of us. The bells are a reminder that somebody cares about you and me,” she said. “They ring out the love of God for all mankind.
“The Salvation Army again turns to those who are able to support our work so that no family is left without hope and without help,” she continued. “We need you to help us keep providing the services and to keep the pot boiling and to keep those bells ringing.”
Red Kettle Day
Board member Richard Sleeman rang his first bell as a Cub Scout in 1963 or ’64. After a 40-year hiatus, he returned to ring them in his native Mount Vernon.
“Being involved with The Salvation Army and ringing bells is something I enjoy doing,” he said.
Volunteers range from churches and social service organizations to board members and city employees. However, Sleeman said, “We’re always looking for help. We’re always looking for people.”
“We do this because we need to help people. We want to help people,” he said. “The money that we get in November and December is something that goes through for the entire year.”
Board Chair John Booth read Mount Vernon’s annual proclamation designating Nov. 26, 2024, as Red Kettle Day in the city.
The proclamation highlighted some of The Salvation Army’s work, including its readiness to deploy in a disaster and its maintenance of an emergency service capacity ready to help those in need.
“The Salvation Army functions as the gateway to economic and material resources such as food, rental assistance, utility assistance, clothing, emergency shelter, and access to child services,” the proclamation states.
The Army’s national network supports more than 4.5 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
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