December 5, 2006 > Annual Red Kettle Campaign

by Julius Murphy

“Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day”
- By Ray Evans and Jay Livingston (1951)

Songwriters inspired by The Salvation Army’s bell ringers and red kettles in New York City more than 50 years ago wrote the classic holiday song, “Silver Bells.” The Salvation Army's most recognizable public effort is the Annual Red Kettle Campaign. To millions it is the very essence of charitable giving.

During November and December, community members will ring bells at over 30 Red Kettle locations throughout the Tri-Cities area. Funds raised support various programs The Salvation Army offers to youth, families and seniors during the holidays and year around. Every dollar put into our Red Kettles will help The Salvation Army reach its goal of raising $100,000. The Salvation Army is committed to doing the most good with the community’s contributions of money, time and resources. More than 83 cents of every dollar is spent on direct service for those in need.

Saturday, Dec. 9 is Service Club Bell Ringing Day. Members from the following service clubs will volunteer to ring bells at The Salvation Army’s red kettles: Optimist Club of Newark; Kiwanis Club; Rotary Club of Fremont; Niles Rotary Club; Fremont Sunrise Rotary Club; F.U.N. Rotary Club; Newark Rotary Club; Warm Springs Rotary Club. Last year, these service clubs raised over $8,000 for The Salvation Army.

If your family, school, church, business or civic group is interested in supporting The Salvation Army this holiday season (conduct a food and/or toy drive, volunteering, hosting a red kettle or giving tree or adopt-a-family) please contact Captain Julius Murphy at (510) 793-6319 or send an email to julius.murphy@usw.salvationarmy.org.