Community Red Kettle Challenges, Volunteer Opportunities Happening in November, December
It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas as The Salvation Army of Greenville, Pickens and Oconee Counties prepares for its annual Red Kettle Impact Campaign. This season, there are multiple opportunities for community support.
On December 9, The Salvation Army will partner with the School District of Pickens County to host a Red Kettle Ring Off between 23 participating schools from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at retail locations across the area. The school that raises the most money from its Red Kettle location that day will be named “Red Kettle Ring Off Champion.” All donations raised throughout the Red Kettle campaign benefit individuals and families in need in Pickens County.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to help support our neighbors in need this Christmas,” said Auti Shearin, director of The Salvation Army of Pickens Service Center. “We are grateful to the School District of Pickens County for partnering with us to give back to others this holiday season, and for creating such a fun volunteer opportunity for students in our area to participate.”
Also on December 9, The Salvation Army Area Commanders Mike and Christine Harris, will take part in the National Commanders Challenge. This event, hosted across the country seeks to find The Salvation Army Command location that can raise the most money between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. This year’s event will take place locally at Haywood Mall, where Majors Harris and other volunteers for The Salvation Army will encourage as many people as possible to donate to help Greenville win the nationwide challenge.
“We know Greenville has landed itself on many ‘Best Of’ lists already, but we want to be number one in the country for raising the most money in the National Commanders Challenge on December 9!,” said Major Mike Harris. “This community has such a giving spirit all year round, and we feel confident we can rise to the occasion of beating out the other participating cities to show the entire country what a special place we have in Greenville.”
On December 13, The Salvation Army of Greenville will partner with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team to raise awareness and donations on behalf of the organization. A portion of ticket sales sold for the match up at Bon Secours Wellness Arena against the Atlanta Gladiators will benefit The Salvation Army of Greenville. Red Kettle stands will be set up outside of the arena to accept on site donations, as well. Tickets can be purchased here: www.fevo.me/salvationarmygvl.
“There are so many ways to get involved with The Salvation Army this Christmas season,” said Major Harris. “People of all ages can sign up to volunteer, join us at the hockey game, donate online or support one of our ongoing programs that support people impacted by economic hardship. Our goal is to come together as a community to serve up joy and hope to our neighbors who need it most during the holidays.”
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Impact Campaign kicks off in Greenville on Nov. 10 with an event at Haywood Mall. Volunteers will then have opportunities to ring the bells at Red Kettle locations across Greenville, Pickens and Oconee Counties through Dec. 23. All of the money raised through The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Impact Campaign stays within the community to provide life-changing programs and services to individuals and families experiencing economic hardship.
The week of November 6, The Salvation Army of Oconee will begin its Red Kettle Campaign throughout the county. With nearly 3,000 hours of ring time to fill, The Salvation Army of Oconee is looking for groups, churches, and industry to help cover an entire day. Additionally, they are asking local businesses to support the campaign through sponsoring a kettle at one of the ring sites. There are already more than 60 groups scheduled to ring bells throughout Seneca, Walhalla and Westminster.
“Just one day of ringing can provide three to four families with heat for an entire month,” said Debra Andrews, Director of The Salvation Army of Oconee County. “The impact just a few hours of volunteering makes is truly incredible. Every penny raised in our Red Kettle Campaign goes back into our county to assist with utilities, rent, clothing, food, disaster, Christmas assistance, and even wheelchair ramps.”
To volunteer, sponsor a kettle, or to learn more about The Salvation Army of Oconee County, please visit salvationarmyoconee.org.
To volunteer, sponsor a kettle, or to learn more about The Salvation Army of Pickens County, please visit salvationarmypickens.org.
To volunteer, sponsor a kettle, or to learn more about The Salvation Army of Greenville, please visit salvationarmygreenville.org.
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