Photo provided by The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is launching its annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign – raising funds to help metro Detroiters as they battle the impact of pandemic poverty. The nonprofit has set an $8.3 million fundraising goal for the 2021 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. Proceeds will support communities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties– feeding the hungry, housing the homeless and providing Christmas gifts for families struggling to make ends meet.
This year’s theme, “Hope Marches On”, encapsulates the spirit of keeping faith and spreading hope to families in need this Christmas season. The campaign highlights the need in the community for basic necessities like food and shelter, as well as hope in a time fraught with uncertainty.
“As life returns to a new normal for many, it’s easy to forget that, for some, the pandemic isn’t over,” said Major Tim Meyer, general secretary, metro Detroit area commander and regional chief operating officer for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “The end of the federal eviction moratorium could create a spike of homelessness that would endanger individuals and families here in metro Detroit. Now, more than ever, the community needs hope for the future and we’re helping them find a way through the crisis by helping them stay in their homes, having their next meal and making ends meet.”
To help raise awareness and encourage the community to donate, the nonprofit welcomes Herman Moore and David Lewis as the public faces for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. Moore, founder & CEO of Team 84 and president of Tackle Life Foundation, served as chair for the 2020 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. Lewis, president of AT&T Michigan, served in 2019. This year, Moore and Lewis have generously offered to return as co-chairs of the Christmas Campaign and once again offer their leadership to help meet the $8.3 million fundraising goal.
“My team and I are proud to contribute The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign along with David Lewis and AT&T,” said Moore. “We see how individuals in Metro Detroit are still struggling from the effects of the pandemic and need the resources The Salvation Army provides. We are looking forward to continuing last year’s efforts of driving participation and support.”
AT&T Michigan will once again serve as The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s official corporate bell ringing partner. AT&T employees will be encouraged to “adopt” metro Detroit red kettle locations by manning those sites and ringing the iconic bell, or choose to volunteer virtually, to help raise money for the Christmas Campaign.
“Those who volunteer at the kettles, whether in-person or at home are the backbone of the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign,” said Lewis. “Without a presence at the red kettles or individuals raising funds online, The Salvation Army won’t be able to meet demand for services. I encourage everyone to join AT&T Michigan’s efforts in volunteering as a red kettle bell ringer.”
Individuals and families can sign up as volunteer bell ringers by visiting registertoring.com where they have an option to choose a traditional, two-hour session at a physical red kettle site or participate in a virtual bell ringing shift where they can raise funds in the comfort of their own home. Virtual bell ringers can sign up and begin raising funds at any time, whereas traditional bell ringing begins on Friday, Nov. 12 and runs through Friday, Dec. 24, excluding Thanksgiving and Sundays.
Metro Detroiters can also commit to providing hope through a donation. A sustaining gift of $25 a month will help hardworking families fend off homelessness. Hope marches on by:
- Texting GIFT to 24365
- Donating money via an online kettle, Paypal, Venmo or physical red kettle
- Donating cryptocurrency
- Volunteering as a virtual or in-person bell ringer at registertoring.com
- Visiting salmich.org
- Calling 877-SAL-MICH
For more information about The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, please visit salmich.org.
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