Dec 5, 2022
You’ve no doubt seen a Salvation Army red kettle—maybe you’ve seen one already this Christmas season.
It is an iconic part of The Salvation Army and of Christmastime itself.
What started in 1891 with one creative Salvation Army officer or pastor wanting to provide a free Christmas dinner in San Francisco, has spread around the world.
Today, public contributions to the kettles in the U.S. enable The Salvation Army to assist more than 31 million people in need during the holiday season and throughout the year.
It’s a truly unique face-to-face touchpoint that gives us a chance to connect with our community and remind them The Salvation Army is at work in their neighborhood.
Major Ken Perine is the Administrator and Pastor for The Salvation Army in Spokane—with nine major programs from a church and community center with an afterschool program and league sports center, to three foster care programs, three shelters for families and adults experiencing homelessness, the largest food bank in Spokane County and a camp. The Salvation Army in Spokane impacts some 100,000 people a year.
And every year, the corps manages a kettle effort, putting out 68 kettles each Christmas and bringing in more than $430,000 in kettle donations.
Kathy Lovin is the Public Affairs and Communications Manager for The Salvation Army in the western U.S. And you may remember her from Episode 120 of this show where she shared six tips for tough conversations.
They’re both on the show today to share their own kettle experience and their take on why kettles are so critical to The Salvation Army.
EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.
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FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.