Oklahoma Corps Ranks in Top 10 Fundraising Locations During Red Kettle Challenge
The Salvation Army’s National Commander, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, hosted the annual National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge on Friday, December 3rd. Encouraging Officers from around the Nation to ring at the Red Kettle for 4 hours, Commissioner Hodder set a fundraising goal of $1,000,000 cumulatively across the nation between all participating Officers.
Captain Stacey Connelly, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Shawnee, Oklahoma accepted the challenge. Joined by the Shawnee Women’s Auxiliary President Kathey Birch, as well as members of her own family, she rang the bell at Walmart in hopes of raising funds for her community, and to help meet the nationwide goal set by the National Commander.
On Tuesday, the National Commander announced the results of the donation campaign, and the goal was exceeded, raising a total of more than $1.1M over the course of four hours. Special recognition was given to the top 10 fundraising locations, one of which being Captain Connelly’s kettle in Shawnee, raising over $24,000 that afternoon.
“It’s an honor to serve in such a generous community. The Salvation Army is only as successful as the community we serve, and we greatly appreciate the generosity of our donors,” said Captain Stacey Connelly.
The Salvation Army has continued to see an increase in need in Shawnee, especially in the areas of food insecurity. Funds collected through the Red Kettle help fund programs that allow The Salvation Army provide 50-60 hot meals each day, as well as food boxes that help fill pantries in homes across the service area.
For more information about The Salvation Army and the services we provide, or to make a donation, visit SalvationArmyAOK.org