Member News

Nonprofit Rings In Christmas Season with Support from The Community

Rochester, N.Y. — The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester kicks off its
annual Red Kettle Campaign this Tuesday, November 12th at 10:00am at Mercantile on Main in
downtown Rochester. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello
will be present to help “ring in” the local and national tradition that dates back over 100 years.

This year’s honorary Red Kettle Campaign Chair is Kayla Kent-Moreira, President of
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria. “The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is synonymous
with Christmas and the holiday season,” said Kent-Moreira. “I am excited to support this local
effort in hopes of bringing out the best in our Greater Rochester community.”

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is the most visible of its fundraisers and is a tradition
dating back to 1891. In Rochester, kettles will be stationed at over 45 locations, including all
area Wilmorite malls, Walmart stores and Tops Friendly Markets. Funds collected during the
Red Kettle Campaign are used year-round to help families and individuals experiencing hunger
and homeless. It also funds essential programs such as youth enrichment, summer camps and
Emergency Family Services.

To help reach its $250,000 Red Kettle Campaign goal, the Rochester Salvation Army is urgently
seeking the help of 750 volunteer bell ringers to stand kettle for a 2-hour shift between
November 22nd and December 24th. Those interested can sign up for bell ringing shifts at
RegisterToRing.com or by calling 585-754-9918.

“Volunteer bell ringers are the difference between an empty kettle and a full one,” said Major
Rick Starkey, Co-Director of The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester. “Just a couple hours of
ringing makes a significant impact to the children and adults we serve.”

Returning this year is The Salvation Army’s “Battle of the Bells”, in which individuals
and groups can participate in friendly competition to ring and collect the most donations in eight
different categories, including schools, businesses, service organizations and other
community groups.

“Battle of the Bells is a win-win for both participants and those we serve.” said Major Starkey
“The competition gives people an opportunity to help their fellow neighbors while working
together in collaborative groups.” Organizations are encouraged to register at
salarmy.us/rocbattle.

Annually, The Rochester Salvation Army provides more than 36,000 meals and 30,000
nights of shelter. Their Christmas Distribution Program runs in tandem with the Red Kettle
Campaign providing free toys and food during the holidays to more than 1,200 families each
year.

“Red Kettle donations stay local, supporting our own neighbors who look to the Salvation
Army for help.” said Major Starkey. “Your donation makes change happen across Monroe
County.”

Those unable to get to a Red Kettle this season can donate online at salarmy.us/kettle or by
phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Individual kettle sponsorships are also available for businesses by
visiting salarmy.us/rockettlesponsor.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has supported those in need without discrimination for more than 140 years in the United States. Over 10,000 people look to The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester each year for support services that include food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, programs for underprivileged children, and relief from abuse and addiction. For information about the Rochester Salvation Army, visit RochesterNY.SalvationArmy.org