Salvation Army red kettles have been scattered around towns like Lexington for well over a hundred years. Major Andy Miller says dollars and coins dropped in kettles go for gifts to 4000 children locally. He said the money supports other programs as well.
“One of our old sayings of the Salvation Army is to spread Christmas cheer throughout the year. Because it is the time of year when more people remember the Salvation Army than any other time. And yet we have programs going on all the time,” said Miller.
Miller says Lexington Salvation Army has an early learning center, an over-packed shelter, food and clothing programs, and a church.
This year’s goal is $175,000. Major Andy Miller noted additional volunteer bell ringers are needed. He added volunteers are asked to commit to four hours at kettle sites.
“The logistics of getting around to 23 different locations and trying to do that every other hour with a very limited group here of volunteers and employees. It just isn’t possible,” said Miller.
Major Miller said money raised goes to assist 16 hundred families, up 300 over last year. The veteran Salvation Army officer said kettles will be set up right through Christmas Eve, excluding Sundays.
