Red Kettle Days come to downtown Coeur d'Alene

Bells will be ringing for the Kroc Center's Red Kettle Campaign in downtown Coeur d'Alene this weekend.

Small business owners are partnering to host a Red Kettle that will travel around downtown to boost the program that is down on donations.

Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association staff, board members and volunteers will kick off ringing the bell from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Rotary Centennial Park.

From there, the Red Kettle will make its way through seven small local businesses over the weekend. 

"Each participating business has committed to dedicating their time and resources to support this important cause," a press release said. "Downtown businesses are the heart of our community and their efforts to give back highlight their shared commitment to supporting and uplifting the neighbors they serve."

The Salvation Army annual Red Kettle Campaign funds many outreach programs offered through the Kroc Center. A few weeks ago, it was 50% down in donations but an increase in contributions in recent weeks has helped it catch up.

“Our Red Kettle Campaign donations are currently 12% lower than donations were this time last year," said Amy Voeller, Kroc Center development director. "We are incredibly grateful to the Downtown Association and our community to rally these last few days of the campaign to help reach our goal of $220,000 and enable The Kroc Center to meet needs in the community throughout the coming year.”

The traveling Red Kettle will be at the following stores:

Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rotary Centennial Park, 316 Sherman Ave.; 3 to 6 p.m., Mix It Up Gift, 513 E. Sherman Ave.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bier Haus, 515 Sherman Ave.; 2:30 to 3 p.m.: Crown & Thistle, 107 N. Fourth St.; 3 to 6 p.m., Marmalade, 308 E. Sherman Ave.

Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave.; 3 to 6 p.m., Mix It Up Home, 305 E. Sherman Ave.