The red kettle is such an iconic item outside of department stores this holiday season. Next to the large, red kettle is a bell ringer with a big smile on their face saying “Happy Holidays” as people drop cash or coins through the slot to donate to the Salvation Army.

Since it is “Giving Tuesday,” WBOC employees decided to give their time and ring the bell at Sam’s Club in Salisbury, Md.

The Salvation Army operates 7,546 centers in communities across the United States. These include food distribution, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers, anti-human trafficking efforts, and a wealth of children’s programs. Its work is funded through kettle donations, corporate contributions, and the sale of goods donated to our Salvation Army Family Stores.

Their motto is “Doing The Most Good” and their mission is to feed, clothe, comfort, and care.

 

Red Kettle History (www.salvationarmyusa.org)

During the holiday season in 1891, Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee wanted to provide free Christmas dinners for the poor in San Francisco. The only issue he had was how he would fund the project. As he pondered the issue, he remembered back to his sailor days in Liverpool, England. Boats would come in at Stage Landing and there was a large, iron kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” where people would toss in a coin or two as they passed by, to help the poor.

The following day, McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing and beside the pot he posted a sign that read, “Keep the pot boiling.” He was then able to make his project come to life and feed the 1,000 poor people on Christmas Day.

Six years later, a combined effort nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy. Today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than 4.5 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. McFee’s kettle idea has launched a tradition that has spread all across the world. Contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who are less fortunate.