In the year 1891, in the bustling city of San Francisco, a compassionate man named Captain Joseph McFee recognized a heartbreaking reality; countless individuals and families struggling in poverty were unable to afford a warm Christmas meal. Driven by a deep sense of empathy, he initiated a remarkable effort to provide not only holiday meals but also Christmas trees for those in desperate need of joy during the festive season.
To kick off this noble cause, Captain McFee placed his very first Red Kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, a strategic location bustling with holiday travelers. By the year 1895, his initiative had gained tremendous momentum, and there were 30 Red Kettle locations established along the West Coast, each one serving as a beacon of hope for the less fortunate. In its inaugural year, an incredible 1,000 individuals were blessed with warm meals through this heartfelt program.
The mission continued to expand, and by 1897, the campaign had grown to reach communities further east. Initially, the kettles stood silent, devoid of the festive ringing sound that would later accompany them. However, in a pivotal moment in 1900, a spirited 16-year-old girl named Amelia Kunkel decided to take action in New York City. She began ringing a bell near the kettle, an act that would change the course of the campaign. Her ringing caught the attention of passersby, and soon after, donations began to pour in, bolstering the charitable efforts.
Today, the iconic Red Kettle campaign runs from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve, symbolizing generosity and community spirit during the holiday season. Each kettle stands as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to serve those in need, echoing the early vision of Captain McFee and the legacy that continues to grow with each passing year.
In Fillmore County, that cherished tradition has continued, bringing hope and support to those in need. From October 2023 to September 2024, the budget for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle program was established at $21,000. This generous allocation ensures that 88% of the funds will directly assist individuals and families facing challenges, while the remaining 12% will cover vital administrative expenses at the organization’s headquarters.
In 2023-2024 the county’s Red Kettle Program provided Easter and Thanksgiving meals for 800 people, hygiene kits for seven county elementary schools, and approximately 450 care center projects for residents and staff – one of those recipients being the Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston. Additionally, eligible jail inmates on work release can receive gloves, hats and hygiene products. Holiday food boxes are also distributed to families in need. The Red Kettles also assist with utility bills, gas vouchers, lodging costs and emergency needs like support for fire victims.
As we look ahead, early reports for the 2024 season suggest a slight decline in donations compared to the previous year. Currently, the Fillmore County Red Kettle program has gathered around $20,000, highlighting the importance of community engagement and participation in sustaining this vital initiative.
What makes this program particularly special is that the county chapter operates solely on the dedication and hard work of volunteers, who pour their hearts and souls into ensuring that help reaches those who need it most. Additionally, the chapter proudly prioritizes support for local businesses, fostering a sense of community connection and resilience.
The Shop With a Cop program, supported by the Red Kettles, aims to strengthen community relations with law enforcement. Kids signed up for this program get to go with an officer to buy clothes and school supplies. The clothes are ordered at a discount from Kelly Printing in Preston. Once the clothes arrive the officer that they shopped with will deliver them to the student. During the Christmas season, the families also receive $50 grocery store gift cards delivered by local deputies.
In August 2024, 10 students and eleven deputies participated, with contributions from local businesses like Kelly Printing, which provided discounted clothing. Photos were taken of each officer with their participant as keepsakes of these positive interactions.
The Red Kettle Campaign supports many people who would not have a holiday otherwise. When you see a red kettle in a local store or someone ringing a bell, please consider reaching out to help. Your contributions make a difference and ensure that someone in need receives assistance.
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