Salvation Army Kicks Off Red Kettle Campaign

During this holiday season there are new reminders that more people are struggling to get by in these tough times. Saturday afternoon, the Salvation Army kicked off it’s Red Kettle Campaign in the valley with a celebration at The Gardens on El Paseo.

“It helps with our Christmas giving and also throughout the year with our direct services to needy families,” says Captain Jessica Dora with the Salvation Army.

Over the past couple years donations dropped and demand increased.

“The way the economy is, a lot of hard working people have been laid off,” says SGT. Joseph Stewart, U.S. Marine.

Even though yearly giving is down, organizers say the community really comes together during the holidays. Over the past 5 years Red Kettle donations are gone up. It seems the holiday season encourages people to give, but there is still a lot of need.

“Every year our goal is to do more than the last year,” says Doria.

The Salvation Army isn’t alone in this effort. Toys for Tots is also on board.

“Our goal is to reach as many people as we can,” says Stewart.

The hope is, every child in the valley will have at least one present this year. Thirteen year old, Zack Seals says there’s nothing like the wonder and surprise of opening a gift on Christmas morning.

“It’s joyful knowing you are getting something, but it can be very sad to also know you might not get something,” says Seals.

This is why he’s donating to the Salvation Army.

“I’d love to see more people with gifts,” says Seals.

As Seals drops money into the red kettle, he says, he’s the one getting the best gift .

“When you give, you learn to be a joyous giver,” says Seals.