Red kettles roll out for holidays

Leann Meyer directs the sixth-grade choir from Lewis and Clark Middle School while they perform Christmas carols Friday morning, Nov. 7, 2014 at Schnucks during the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign kickoff party.
Leann Meyer directs the sixth-grade choir from Lewis and Clark Middle School while they perform Christmas carols Friday morning, Nov. 7, 2014 at Schnucks during the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign kickoff party.

The Salvation Army kicked off its Red Kettle campaign with a choir, brass ensemble and a state senator late Friday morning in Jefferson City at Schnucks Supermarket.

So from here until after Christmas, bells will be ringing and people will be giving at commercial locations in locations around Mid-Missouri and cities across the country.

The choir was from the Lewis and Clark Middle School and sang Christmas carols in the produce section to the right of the entrance. The brass ensemble was comprised of officers with the Salvation Army, including Lts. Rachel and Christopher White, who run the Jefferson City Salvation Army center.

"The Salvation Army is a great organization that we are fortunate to have here in town," said Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City. "It has been in our community for over 80 years. ... I would like to thank the Salvation Army for their involvement in our community. It is a great time of the year to understand what our gifts and blessings are, and try to help those out who are our friends, neighbors and family."

Also attending the event was the Grinch who stole Christmas in a Santa Claus outfit, but more importantly a veteran volunteer for the army. Elizabeth Long has been volunteering for the army for the last 25 seasons. Kehoe presented her a plaque for her hard work.

In 1990, Long came to the Salvation Army the day before Thanksgiving to apply for assistance through its Christmas program. She ended up volunteering with the Red Kettle campaign.

"She started the day after Thanksgiving at Schulte's," Christopher said. "She has rung at Schulte's for just about every weekday and Saturday during the Christmas season, and that is a wonderful thing."

Christopher estimated that Long helped raise approximately $170,000. He added that she has become regular at the supermarket during the Christmas season to the point where people start to worry when she does not make an appearance.

After the initial song and speeches were given, Rachel announced this year's goal for the campaign with the help of the choir. The children held signs that read the goal as $257,500. There will be a thermometer, or a "fundometer," at the Salvation Army Christmas tree at Central Bank that will help the public track the army's progress, Christopher said.

"Thank you to those who have given in the past, to the stores that continue to support us and the community as a whole," Christopher said. "We extend thanks now because we know how generous they are going to be this season. That is why we already have our banner up now that says thanks, because we know how generous this community is."