Cherished Christmas traditions may arise from humble origins
The Salvation Army's familiar Red Kettle Campaign is a case in point. The fundraising effort began in 1891, when a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco set out a crab pot at a ferry landing to collect money for the poor at Christmas.
During this holiday season, bell-ringers again will stand beside Red Kettles at a range of stores to encourage shoppers to support the Salvation Army's mission to shelter, feed and otherwise assist people in need.
The local campaign kicked off last weekend with a goal of $262,000, which represents a $4,500 increase over last year's objective.
"All the profits that we raise through the Red Kettle Campaign," local Salvation Army Lt. Christopher White said, "go back into our community, and they help fund all our services - from our food pantry to our shelter and they keep the lights on. It supports everything we do."
Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin, who participated at the kickoff, pointed out that the shelter, the Center for Hope, "is the only facility in the area to provide shelter for men, women and parents with children, including veterans, seniors and victims of domestic violence."
She added that the shelter each year serves 44,000 meals and provides 12,000 nights of lodging in the community.
The campaign depends on volunteer bell-ringers, and we encourage residents to call (573) 635-1975 to volunteer.
This year's Red Kettle Campaign will feature the addition of smaller kettles on the counters of some businesses, as well as an option to donate via smartphone.
In addition to the fundraising campaign, the Salvation Army again will sponsor its Angel Tree program, which allows shoppers to purchase a toy for a child selected by taking a paper angel from the tree at the Capital Mall. Toys may be delivered at the mall, the Dollar Tree or the Salvation Army, 927 Jefferson St.
Last year, the about 2,900 toys were distributed to needy children through the project.
The tradition of community generosity has helped the Salvation Army serve people in need through the Red Kettle Campaign and Angel Tree project.
That tradition deserves not only to continue, but to flourish.