October 31, 2006 - Keep The Bell Ringing:
RALEIGH, N.C. – The Salvation Army of Wake County will hold its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign Kick-Off on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 in downtown Raleigh (weather permitting). The ceremony will be held on Fayetteville Street Mall in front of the Wake County Courthouse, where Fayetteville Street Mall and Martin Street intersect. The Kick-Off ceremony will begin at 12 Noon with holiday music from the Salvation Army brass band; free Krispy Kreme Donuts, coffee and hot chocolate served from the Mobile Disaster Response Canteen; remarks from Mayor Charles Meeker; and opening of the kettles.
The Salvation Army of Wake County operates one of the countries largest Christmas assistance programs. In 2005, The Salvation Army served 13,000 Wake County individuals through the Christmas Cheer program. These individuals were in addition to those served through the Army’s daily assistance programs.
Christmas 2005 Service Statistics:
? Children provided with new Toys/Gifts 3,028
? Angel Tree Gifts Distributed 15,090
? Ney Toys Distributed 15,652
? Stockings Distributed to Children 3,000
? Individuals receiving Gifts at Nursing
Homes, Hospitals, Institutions, etc. 6,983
In Wake County, there are 22 kettle locations staffed by more than 1,000 volunteers from 55 volunteer groups such as Rotary, Kiwanis, and local businesses. The 2006 Kettle Campaign will begin on Friday, November 24th and conclude on Saturday, December 23rd. With a fund raising goal of $100,000, ringers will have 25-days (No Ringing on Sundays) to Keep The Bell Ringing. All donations remain in Wake County with 100 percent of the proceeds used for the Christmas Cheer program.
About the Salvation Army
One of the largest charitable and social service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been helping those in need since 1865. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services to assist those in need. Locally, The Salvation Army has been serving the people of Wake County since 1887. Its Wake County headquarters is located at 215 South Person Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Visit us on-line at www.KeepTheBellRinging.org to learn more or to make a donation.
