Meteorologists rang bells

HARTFORD – On December 9th, Joe Furey, Chief Meteorologist at FOX 61, rang a bell at The Salvation Army’s kettle location at The Old State House on Main Street in Hartford, and raised over $200 in two hours. He greeted passers-by, and spoke with many members of the Hartford community. Major Eva Geddes rang a bell, while Major Wesley Geddes rang and sung Christmas carols including “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Later that night, Fred Campagna, Senior Meteorologist at WTNH, rang a bell at The Salvation Army’s kettle location at Stop & Shop in New Haven, raising close to $100. He broadcast his “Kettle Forecast” live during the evening newscast. During the broadcast, Fred interviewed Captain Charles Adams of the New Haven Corps who discussed the various programs and services The Salvation Army offers to Connecticut residents. “NEWS 8 is proud to help the Salvation Army reach their goal of helping those in need this holiday season,” said Kierstin Pupkowski, NEWS 8 Community Affairs Director.

This year in Connecticut, The Salvation Army kicked off the Red Kettle Campaign on Friday, 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, WFSB Eyewitness News 3, WTNH News 8, and NBC CT made their “predictions” as to how much will be raised in the iconic red kettles this year. Joe Furey’s prediction was $2,000,610.80. Fred Campagna’s prediction was $2,088,888!

Captain Charles Adams, Commanding Officer of the New Haven Citadel Corps said "We are so thankful for all of the generosity and support of the Greater New Haven area. We have been blessed with a great crew of kettle workers this year who stand outside of participating stores collecting donations all the way up until Christmas Eve. The Salvation Army of New Haven has set a kettle goal of $130,000, and while that is a big goal, the need is just as big. We are humbled by the opportunity to meet needs here in our community and are so thankful for all of the support our donors are able to give.”

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.

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!”

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.