Bells will be ringing: Annual Red Kettle Campaign starts Friday

KINGSFORD -- As we approach the holiday season, we feel gratitude for what we have and recognize those who are without.

Whether it's food or other services, the Salvation Army Bread of Life Assistance Center of Kingsford is there to help -- but not without support from the community.

The annual Red Kettle Campaign, which is the non-profit's largest fundraiser, kicks off Friday and continues through Dec. 24.

The local organization is in need of bell ringers to fill its 1,254 shifts. "That means there are 2,508 hours to raise as much as we can to meet the array of needs in the community," Dickinson County Salvation Army Director Tara Coss said. "For every slot that isn't filled means less funds for those services we provide the entire year."

Volunteers are asked to do a two-hour shift between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at one of their kettle locations: both entrances of Walmart, Super One Foods, Tadych's Family Market, Pat's Foods in Norway and Northwoods IGA in Niagara, Wis.; or between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kingsford Ace Hardware.

"We ring every day, except for Sundays," Case Manager Jennifer Witte said.

Kettles are not out in the community unless they are attended by a volunteer.

Getting those kettles manned is crucial to the success of the campaign, Coss explained.

Witte added that she believes many donors would rather give to a person then to a sitting kettle.

Ringers can be of any age and can be a fun event for the entire family.

They encourage area businesses, school sports teams, groups and organizations to challenge each other.

"We would love to see Kingsford versus Iron Mountain athletes, or teams from Norway versus Niagara, even a credit union throwing out a challenge to a bank," Witte said.

"It would be great to get local fire and police departments involved as well," said Coss, adding the challenges don't have to be done on the same day.

It's also a great way for high schoolers to get their volunteer hours in while having fun, Witte added.

Employers can give back by allowing their employees to ring during work time.

"We are grateful to anyone able to ring and give their time," Witte said.

Those wanting to sign up for this year's campaign can call 906-221-4301.

The counter kettles will be also out in the community. Any business wishing to host a kettle can contact the office.

All money raised during the Red Kettle campaign remains within the local area.

During the six weeks of kettle season, staff and volunteers are also busy coordinating efforts to ensure Thanksgiving and Christmas needs are met by providing food boxes for those holidays, plus Angel Tree assistance to those in need.

The Angel Tree program is another way those unable ring can make a difference. Those wishing to purchase gifts can go online to the Salvation Army Angel Tree Registry-Dickinson County or stop by the in-store tree.

Program applications can be obtained at the Salvation Army office at 145 Roseland St. in Kingsford. They remind those who apply that they do check for duplications.

"We need to be very resourceful with our funding, as requests for help hasn't declined," Coss said. "In addition, we are into utility season."

"The need is great -- services have increased," added Witte.

Coss also encourages community members who really want to help someone in need to refer them to the agency. "We have a lot of people that aren't connecting the person to the proper services," she said. "By doing this, they can become knowledgeable with about what is available."

The Salvation Army Bread of Life Assistance Center of Dickinson County's 2022 Red Kettle campaign raised about $69,000.

Major services include the food pantry, which also offers diapers/wipes, personal hygiene and cleaning supplies; Pathway of Hope, a client-driven, holistic strength-based case management initiative that allows families to break the cycles of crisis and vulnerability and move toward increased stability; utility assistance; various housing crisis issues; holiday programming; back-to-school assistance; Inmate Restore Hope, which focuses on providing individualized case management services to inmates being released who desire to take action; and other areas of assistance to individuals and families in crisis.

Last year, 250 individuals benefited from the Thanksgiving food boxes, while 484 individuals received Christmas food boxes. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program -- which ensures that each person enrolled in the program woke up on Christmas morning with presents under the tree -- served 596 individuals, 224 adults and 372 children.

"This wouldn't be possible without the funds raised during the season kettle campaign," Coss said. "We appreciate all the support from the community."

They also still need a kettle coordinator this season. Anyone interested can contact Coss or Witte at the Salvation Army office.

Those wishing to make a monetary donation can mail checks to The Salvation Army, 145 Roseland St., Kingsford MI 49802 or P.O. Box 218, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

Those who have questions on any program or who want to adopt a family for Christmas can contact the Salvation Army office at 906-779-5717.