LOWELL — The Salvation Army in Lowell was joined by nearly 250 supporters as it successfully kicked off its iconic Red Kettle fundraising campaign for 2023 at the 31st annual Greater Lowell Christmas Castle Breakfast on Thursday morning.
Each year, The Salvation Army’s Greater Lowell Christmas Castle Breakfast has launched the non-profit’s iconic Red Kettle fundraising campaign in Greater Lowell, bringing together businesses, community partners and others for a fun morning of networking and good cheer.
Funds collected at Christmas and throughout the year are essential to The Salvation Army’s seasonal and yearly relief efforts.
Majors Nicole and Timothy Ross, who lead The Salvation Army in Lowell, noted in remarks that requests for Food Pantry assistance have increased by 78% so far this year. The goal is to raise $250,000 this holiday season to meet the year-round needs of their community by providing critical social services.
“We have set an ambitious goal this holiday season because we anticipate the needs of community members being bigger than ever,” said Major Timothy Ross. “We are blessed and very grateful to receive so much support from the Greater Lowell community as we kick off this year’s campaign with hope and love.”
Giving to red kettles is a holiday tradition for many, but people are often surprised to learn that the money raised stays directly in the community and will benefit neighbors in need.
In 2022, The Salvation Army in Lowell provided toys, clothing and winter supplies to 1,394 Lowell-area children and distributed 980 food gift baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Lowell Christmas Castle began three decades ago when The Salvation Army noticed a need to create a central location where families could receive food, clothing and gifts during the holidays. The tradition and its kickoff breakfast have endured.
This year’s honoree is Danielle McFadden, President of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. McFadden, a lifelong Lowell resident, has proudly served as President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce since 2011.
An active member of the Greater Lowell community and within the Chamber industry, McFadden serves on more than a half-dozen boards including the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board, Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
She also serves as President of the Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization where her three children, Zoe, Landry, and Milo, attend school.
During this year’s breakfast, McFadden was “roasted” by her cousin, Michael Dubuque, brother, Brian Bergeron, and Chris Dick, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations for PrideStar Trinity EMS. The event was emceed by Teddy Panos.
Families in need count on donor support to have a joyous holiday season. Opportunities for individuals and businesses to show their support of The Salvation Army this holiday season are still available.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps 25 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at over 7,000 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100 percent of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyMA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.
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