HOLYOKE — The Salvation Army Holyoke Corps is ready to kick off its iconic Red Kettle fundraising campaign for 2023 at its annual Red Kettle Kickoff event at the Holyoke Mall on Friday.
The Red Kettle Campaign is especially needed now to meet the increasing needs of millions of families living in the United States and right here in Massachusetts. The Salvation Army, the nation’s largest private provider of social services, will not stop working to provide Christmas gifts, food, shelter, and rent and utility assistance to millions of people struggling this holiday season and beyond — no matter the cost.
WHEN:
Friday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m.
WHERE:
Upper floor of the Holyoke Mall (Next to AT&T), 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke
WHAT:
The Salvation Army will kick off the non-profit’s iconic Red Kettle fundraising campaign in Holyoke, bringing together businesses, community partners and others for fun, networking and good cheer.
Funds collected at Christmas and throughout the year are essential to The Salvation Army’s seasonal and yearly relief efforts. The Salvation Army anticipates more families than ever will seek holiday help this year, given rising inflation and poverty rates. 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.
The Salvation Army’s Holyoke Community Corps service to families extends beyond Holyoke and the towns of Chicopee, South Hadley, and Granby. The Corps provides assistance through their food pantry, rental assistance, hot meals program, and holiday assistance. During the holidays, they providethousands of children in need with Christmas toys. With rising costs, the assistance the Corps provides is needed more than ever.
In 2022, The Salvation Army in Holyoke provided toys, clothing and winter supplies to over 5000 Holyoke-area children and distributed 1094 food gift baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Salvation Army in Holyoke hopes to provide even more assistance than what was provided last year through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign. The Salvation Army Holyoke Corps’ season of giving will begin at this year’s kickoff event.
The Holyoke High School Madrigal Choir with Mark Todd, Musical Director, will perform holiday favorites at the event.
“Red Kettles are a symbol of help and hope for our communities during the holiday season and beyond,” said Lt. Montserrat Esquivel, The Salvation Army of Holyoke. “With increasing costs, we are seeing requests for assistance on the rise. Thanks to the support of local supporters, we can ensure that we can help our neighbors in need when they need food on the table, utility assistance, or a gift for their child at the holidays.”
Families in need count on donor support to have a joyous holiday season. During a typical year, anywhere from 40-60% of funds raised by The Salvation Army come directly from public and individual contributions. Opportunities for individuals and businesses to show their support of The Salvation Army this holiday season are still available.
Volunteers who are interested in registering to ring to support The Salvation Army in Holyoke and surrounding communities can learn more by visiting
SalvationArmyMA.org/Volunteer. Opportunities for individuals and businesses to show their support of The Salvation Army this holiday season are still available. To donate to The Salvation Army in Holyoke’s virtual kettle or to start your own fundraising page visit: https://salarmy.us/HolyokeRedKettle.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps 24 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.
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.