Ringing the bell at the Salvation Army Red Kettle before and after the Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade on Friday, November 25 was Dick Parker of Grand Marais. A cheerful presence like Dick helps bring more money to the Salvation Army coffers, which in turn helps community members throughout the year.
One of the biggest fundraisers for the Cook County Salvation Army Service Unit is the Red Kettle campaign, which enables the Cook County unit to provide services in our community.
Funds raised are often used in local emergency situations such as when a family or individual needs food, fuel, or short-term shelter that other agencies can’t provide. The service unit also budgets for other projects like Merry Christmas for All (see article below for more information on that program); the local Food Shelf; school supplies; an Easter project; and socks, hats, or mittens for elementary students. But these things only happen if there is enough money in the Salvation Army coffers.
Everyone is welcome to take a turn at a red kettle—it’s an easy and fun way to help neighbors in need. A friendly presence is all that is needed, but musical offerings are greatly appreciated. Volunteers can attend a kettle at a time fitting their schedule Monday through Saturday now to the afternoon of Christmas Eve.
If you can help “ring in the holidays” by volunteering, contact Mary Sanders, kettle campaign coordinator, at 387-1729 or email her at msanders@boreal.org to schedule a time to ring the bell at one of the four big red kettles in Cook County.
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