The Salvation Army Red Kettle returns for the holidays
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Santa made his appearance at the Jordan Creek Town Center on Saturday to help kick of the holidays and the Red Kettle Campaign through the Salvation Army.
The Red Kettle kicked of their holiday campaign at Jordan Creek with big plans. The Salvation Army is hoping to raise 1.2 million this year, which will then be used to help those in the community and help strengthen aid programs. The same goal was set for last year, but they fell short.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were there to help show their support for the Salvation Army and the season of giving. Santa listened to children's holidays wishes and helped spread the message of giving and loving during the holidays.
"All kids are good; I don't see any bad in children. Sometimes they have a little work to do in areas, but in the end they all make the nice list in my book. The joy and excitement in the kid's eyes, you can see it before they even get close to you. They are really excited about what's going on here and the emotion they are feeling," said Santa.
Daniel Hull with the Salvation Army says that there were less volunteers last year, so they are hoping to get the numbers back up. People can volunteer to ring the bell individually or in groups during the two-hour period.
"Sometimes you can split up the time with family members so that you're not out there so long in the cold. We also have a virtual kettle online that you can promote with families and groups, maybe even see who raises the most dollars in your family," said Hull.
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The Angel Tree is another program the Salvation Army supports. Stores around the country have Christmas trees that are decorated with wish lists for children. The lists are filled with a variety of items children need and want. People are encouraged to take a list and help a child's Christmas wish come true.
"Go ahead and use social media, do a TikTok challenge of some sort, see what people can come up with. Just challenging each person in the community to do the same," said Jolene Hull with the Salvation Army.
Last year the Angel Tree campaign became popular on social media as influencers used their platform to spread holiday cheer. Influencers would fulfill the lists on Angel Trees, often going above and beyond, in hopes of spreading holiday joy and the message of giving.
"It's about caring for our neighbors and those that are a little less fortunate. The toys that we give out at out at our toy shop, while the Salvation Army distributes them, we want to make sure that the parents are the ones giving them, so it doesn't have a whole bunch of labeling on there, said Daniel Hull. "We want mom and dad to feel good and the children to just have a joyful day."
If you are interested in volunteering to ring the bell for the Red Kettle Campaign,. To learn more about Angel Tree's and holiday giving visit the Salvation Army Website.
