Salisbury, MD – The familiar Red Kettle Campaign of The Salvation Army in Salisbury, MD, is kicking off on November 8 at 8 a.m. at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. The celebration includes awards honoring the top bell ringers for individuals, businesses, and civic groups who were out ringing bells during the 2022 Christmas season. Special highlights from the Salisbury Salvation Army will be shared in addition to welcoming the 2023 Red Kettle Campaign chair people, Jim Perdue, Perdue Farms; Mary Beth Carozza, MD State Senator; Chris Weimer, WBOC news anchor; and Sheriff Mike Lewis, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.
Thousands of families continue to struggle in the current economy, and many live from paycheck to paycheck. The Salvation Army is there, not only at Christmastime but all year round to help when times are tough; when people are forced to choose between paying the rent or the utility bill, when families need help putting food on the table, or when children need school supplies or new clothes for the school year. The generosity of the community during the Red Kettle Campaign provides essential funds for the Army to Love Beyond Christmas, and step in the gap in times of crisis.
“From its humble beginnings in 1891, when the Salvation Army used a crab pot to collect funds in San Francisco, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the best-recognized charitable campaigns anywhere. Here on the lower eastern shore, we are celebrating 110 years of love and service to our community,” said Lt. Shawn Simmons, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army in Salisbury. “Thanks to the support of donors and corporate partners, the money raised will help The Salvation Army provide food, shelter, and social services to people who come to us in crisis, often at the very worst times of their life.”
Red Kettles will be stationed outside area stores and local businesses, Monday-Saturday, starting mid-November and continuing through Saturday, December 23. “With fewer and fewer people carrying cash, we’re also offering cashless ways to donate,” said Lt. Simmons. “Donors can give on their smartphone using a QR code right there at the red kettle.”
The Salvation Army is issuing a rallying cry for Americans to “Love Beyond.” The organization’s message is simply that when we love beyond late bills, love beyond shelter, and love beyond Christmas, we can provide hope and help for millions who need it. Love Beyond is also a symbol of the resources and programs that so many people rely on year round when they turn to The Salvation Army for assistance.
Visit salvationarmypotomac.org or call 410-749-7771 ext. 100 to schedule bell ringing, donate or learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army this Christmas.
