The end of 2016 is quickly approaching, and The Salvation Army has started to appear at local stores. The Salvation Army is an Evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. The Salvation Army serves more than 25 million Americans from a variety of backgrounds. People who come to them for assistance are served according to their need and their capacity to help – regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

The Salvation Army plays a big part in Christmas Assistance for families and children in need. The traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless. The money that is donated at your local stores like Kmart, Shopko, and Walmart goes to providing Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need, including families of prisoners. Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes; shelters are open for sit-down dinners. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten.

“I would participate in this again because you get to meet a lot of people. Even though you’re standing in the cold, you keep in the back of your mind that you are doing something for the good of others. That made me a better person. It was crazy to see how many people donated, including teenagers.” Madison Gibson stated.

The Salvation Army’s “kettle” was started by Captain Joseph McFee. McFee resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner to the poor of San Francisco. The red kettle has been an American icon for 125 years. Starting at Thanksgiving to Christmas, volunteers stand outside of stores ringing bells to help with the receiving of donations. The Salvation Army can be spotted in hundreds of movies shown on your television.

In 1901, red kettles spread to the Big Apple. Kettle donations in New York City funded a massive sit-down Christmas dinner at Madison Square Garden. The meal became a tradition for many years.

According to salvationarmynorth.org, the Salvation Army Northern Division raised more than $6.7 million at 900 kettle locations in Minnesota and North Dakota. Nationwide, kettles raised more than $144 million during the year of 2013.

The Salvation Army has been a major icon of the United States for a long time. Donating to the red kettle helps many people get the opportunity to eat a Christmas dinner, give their children toys, and enjoy the holiday season. Anytime you see a red kettle, donate!