Starkville Rings in Christmas Red Kettle Campaign

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- On Friday, the Salvation officially kicked off its annual Christmas Red Kettle Campaign in Starkville.

Last year, the organization had its most successful campaign ever.

You may have heard, or seen volunteers outside stores ringing a bell and asking for donations, while you were out shopping, but the Christmas Red Kettle Campaign is much more than that.

“Throughout the year we provide emergency assistance to families or individuals in our area who have experienced some sort of a loss,” Stakville Service Center Manager Katie Walker said.

The campaign is a critical source of funding for the Salvation Army. It provides services to children, families, and seniors in the area.

“At least 80 percent of all money given locally stays locally, so it helps us to serve these here in Oktibbeha County and the surround counties that we also serve,” Walker said.

These kettles are the life line for the organization’s largest fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars each year.

Walker said most people who ring are volunteers and the Salvation Army always needs more help.

“They can donate volunteer hours, they can serve on our advisory board, they can volunteer as a kettle bell ringer, so there’s lots of different ways that they can be involved and help serve those in our community,” she said.

The Red Kettle Campaign has been ringing  in help for those in need for 124 years.

“Absolutely, please donate, that money helps us do the most good here in Starkville and Oktibbeha County, and the surrounding areas we also serve,” Walker said.
There are several Salvation Army locations in north Mississippi.

Donations will be collected through Christmas Eve.