Salvation Army rings in fundraising season
Salvation Army supporters gave more than $37,000, all of which will stay in Kootenai County, at Friday’s Red Kettle Campaign breakfast fundraiser. On stage are some examples of funds and clothing raised. Photos by LOREN BENOIT/Press
David Bobbitt plays a game of “The Price is Right” Friday morning at the Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Kettle Kickoff breakfast.
Salvation Army Kroc Center Major Don Gilger shares what Clothe A Child is during the center's Kettle Kickoff breakfast. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
The Salvation Army Kroc Center relies on the money raised in the Red Kettles to help neighbors in need in Kootenai County at Christmas and throughout the year. This kettle is designed by artist Stephen Shortridge. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
New clothes for hundreds of children in need. Emergency housing and food for families in crisis. Scholarships for programs that enrich local youth and adults.
That’s what the coins and bills dropped into the Salvation Army’s familiar red kettles can buy.
The annual Red Kettle Campaign kicked off with a breakfast fundraiser Friday morning at the Kroc Center. Organizers said they hoped to raise $35,000 to get the campaign started.
In a matter of minutes, Salvation Army supporters gave more than $37,000, all of which will stay in Kootenai County. These donations will brighten more than the holiday season — they’ll help residents throughout the year.
“There’s a lot of different ways to give this year,” Salvation Army Maj. Don Gilger said, adding that for the first time, donors will be able to fill the kettles digitally, using an app. “We put it right back into the community.”
Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign support the Kroc Center scholar program, which provides affordable memberships to low-income families, as well as summer camp scholarships and even birthday parties for local foster kids. These are only some of the ways that red kettle dollars enrich the community.
“So many of our children have no opportunities outside of school to learn and grow,” said Kate Orozco, director of elementary education for Coeur d’Alene public schools.
She spoke of a third-grade student who struggles with behavioral problems at school and goes home to a truck-bed camper that houses his family — one of many vulnerable students in the district.
“How do we give them a sense of safety?” she asked the crowd.
Clothing these children, giving them access to after-school programs and activities and connecting them with adults who care are all part of the solution — and that’s exactly what the Kroc Center provides, using funds raised through the kettle campaign.
Keith Dixon, who donated on behalf of Architects West, became emotional when he spoke about why his organization contributes to the campaign.
“The reason we give is because we see the powerful things that happen in the community,” he said.
Money isn’t the only possible gift. The Salvation Army also needs the gift of time, from community members who volunteer to ring bells and fill those familiar red kettles. With a short holiday season this year, volunteers are needed more than ever.
To volunteer for a two-hour bell ringing shift, visit: www.kroccda.org/kettle-volunteer-form.html