Salvation Army's kettle goal set at $205,000

Topeka's Salvation Army has set a goal of $205,000 for its 2018 Red Kettle Campaign, it was announced Wednesday.

The kickoff for this year's campaign is set for 11:30 a.m. Monday on the front lawn of the Salvation Army Citadel, 1320 S.E. 6th. Bowls of chili, sandwiches and hot chocolate will be served free to those who attend.

The Red Kettle Campaign will begin in earnest on Friday, Nov. 23, which is the day after Thanksgiving. The campaign will continue through Christmas Eve on Monday, Dec. 24.

Maj. Brian Burkett, corps officer with the Topeka Salvation Army, said Wednesday that kettles will be located at 25 businesses in the capital city. Kettles will be placed at 38 doors at the various locations.

Among Topeka locations where kettles will be found are Walmart, Sam's Club, Dillons, Walgreens, Hy-Vee, Hobby Lobby, West Ridge Mall and LifeWay Christian Stores.

Monies raised during the annual campaign will stay in the Topeka community and will help provide food boxes and toys for families during the Christmas season, Salvation Army officials said.

Funds also help provide assistance year-round through the Salvation Army’s social service programs that include emergency assistance for rent and utilities, a food pantry and a community meal program.

"We raise about one-quarter of our income for the year during this five-week span," Burkett said. "It's vital to continue to do the great work we do here, feeding people, providing emergency assistance and making a difference in our community."

An advantage to this year's Red Kettle Campaign is the fact that Thanksgiving falls on its earliest possible date, Nov. 22. Bell-ringing traditionally begins in most locations the Friday after Thanksgiving, which this year is on Nov. 23.

Christmas Eve this year falls on a Monday and is often one of the biggest days for donations at the red kettles. A year ago, Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday, which is the one day out of the week that the Salvation Army doesn't ring bells. As a result, bell-ringing a year ago ended on Dec. 23.

Last year, when bell-ringing didn't begin until Saturday, Nov. 25, the Topeka Salvation Army surpassed its $195,000 goal at kettle locations, receiving $199,000. A good portion of that amount was donated in the final few days of the campaign.

An additional goal of $146,000 from other donations, including mail appeals, also was reached, Salvation Army officials said.

By the end of December 2017, Salvation Army officials said the Topeka community had donated some $345,000, which was $4,000 more than its Red Kettle goal.

Volunteers are being sought to ring bells during the campaign at various locations across the capital city. People wishing to volunteer may visit www.registertoring.com or call (785) 233-9648.

Applications also are being accepted for paid bell ringers, who will receive $8 an hour. Interested individuals may apply from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Salvation Army's location on S.E. 6th Avenue.