When the bells start ringing at The Salvation Army (TSA) Red Kettles each year, most people hear the Christmas season beginning. Major Joseph Irvin hears something different. "I hear the hope for one of our families staying in our homeless shelter. ” That’s because all the money raised at one 26 of the Kettle locations in Rutherford County stays local supporting the local ministries and services of The Salvation Army of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.
This year Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron, the 2019 Red Kettle Chair, is challenging individuals, businesses and churches to volunteer their time by signing up to ring the bell at one of the kettles. This is great opportunity to start a new tradition with your family, coworkers, or a church group knowing that the money raised at your kettle is going to a local program providing a hand up.
In 2017, The Salvation Army provided 14,801 nights of lodging (increase of 26% from previous year) in their 50-bed homeless shelter. 56,712 meals (increase of 41% from previous year) were prepared and served from The Salvation Army Kitchen which opens its doors at 5PM, 365 days-a-year to any individual or family in need of a warm, nutritious meal.
So, by taking the Red Kettle Challenge, you know you are supporting a program that is making huge strides towards helping Rutherford County be a place where everyone can belong, engage and prosper.
Kettle money that is raised stays local and provides about 10% of The Salvations army’s budget to operate its life changing programs.
There are many ways to take The Red Kettle Challenge this year. Contact John Mitchell at 615-707-8303 or john.r.mitchell@uss.salvationarmy.org to volunteer to ring the bell at a kettle location up till December 24, 2018. $1,100 collected at a kettle pays for the cost of our 50-bed homeless shelter for one day. Visit https://give.salvationarmykentuckyandtennessee.org/mborocetner-of-hope . You can help others and get paid to ring the bell as well. This is a great opportunity for youth 15 and up, a college student home on break, or anyone needing to make some holiday cash. Contact Major Joe Irvin 423-366-061 Joseph.Irvin@uss.salvationarmy.org.