The Salvation Army's Official Connecticut Kettle Kickoff Day!

HARTFORD – This year in Connecticut, The Salvation Army kicked off the Red Kettle Campaign on November 20th with an event on the north steps of the State Capitol. Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy proclaimed the day as “The Salvation Army’s Official Kettle Kickoff Day in Connecticut.” Meteorologists from FOX 61, WTNH News 8, NBC CT, and WFSB Eyewitness News 3 made their “predictions” as to how much will be raised in the iconic red kettles this year.

Predictions

• $2,000,610.80 - Sam Sampieri, Meteorologist, FOX 61
• $2,088,888.00 - Fred Campagna, Senior Meteorologist, WTNH News 8
• $2,100,000.00 - Ryan Hanrahan, First Alert Meteorologist, NBC CT
• $2,200,000.00 - Bruce DePrest, Chief Meteorologist, WFSB Eyewitness News 3

Fairfield Country Day School’s Bell Choir performed, as well as The Salvation Army Ensemble. Major David Champlin, Divisional Commander for the Army in Southern New England said, “We are thankful for the generosity and support of the residents of Connecticut, and to all those who support us year after year. Funds raised locally, stay local, helping us to provide for our neighbors in need. At The Salvation Army, 82 cents of every dollar that is donated goes back to programs that serve the hungry, homeless, frail and lonely. The money raised not only helps during Christmas and Thanksgiving, but also sustains vital programs and services throughout the year. When you hear the bell and you see a Red Kettle, please be as generous as you can be!”

The Salvation Army set a local fundraising goal of 2 million dollars. Kettle income supports a variety of programs and services in Connecticut, including food pantries, shelters, emergency assistance, summer camp programs, school readiness and after school programs, as well as holiday assistance.

Nationally, more than 30 million Americans are served by The Salvation Army each year. Thousands of volunteers will staff red kettles on street corners nationwide, collecting nickels, dimes, quarters and occasionally, a gold coin!

In December of 1891, a Salvation Army Captain in San Francisco resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area’s poor by collecting donations in a large pot. By Christmas of 1895, the kettle was used in 30 Salvation Army Corps in various sections of the west coast. The iconic red kettles are now used in 128 countries throughout the world. For more information on the history of the red kettle, click here.

Support Our Mobile Red Kettle!
Text GIVECT to 71777, Click the Link Above, or Use the Form Below!

Help The Salvation Army kick off its kettle season in Connecticut by donating or sharing our Mobile Red Kettle or hosting your own! This and volunteering are the best ways to help us meet needs this holiday season and throughout the year.