FARGO (KFGO) – The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign kicked off on Friday, Nov. 14, launching another crucial holiday season of fundraising to benefit thousands of people in need within the Fargo-Moorhead community.
“In general, the Salvation Army provides some 48,000 meals a year serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday and about 90,000 households assistance, financial assistance whether it’s a rent payment, utility payment, doctor visit, transportation, the list goes on and on,” explains Major Abe Tamayo. “Of course we could not do such things without the community’s support.”
West Acres Shopping Center hosted Friday’s kick-off event and CEO Brad Schlossman made the first donation.
“It’s part of that enthusiasm that we all have for helping others that makes me proud to make the first donation to the kettle this year. I have a $2,500 check to get this campaign kicked off and may it be a successful one,” Schlossman said.
City leaders voiced their support for the red kettle campaign. Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack, West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis and Mayor Pro Temp of Moorhead Chuck Hendrickson all made comments at the campaign kick-off.
“What people need to understand about this year I think that’s different than other years past is the need is much higher. The need in our community and the need with what’s going on nationally is we’re going to see more homeless, more people in need, more people needing services of the Salvation Army than ever before,” said Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney. “So this is truly the year I think people should really think hard about giving money to the Salvation Army.”
West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis took time to thank the Salvation Army volunteers.
“The volunteers that come back year after year after year. These people are incredibly committed to the Salvation Army and to working with their fellow man. So to all of you volunteers who are there every day, all the time, not just during the holiday season and bell ringing, thank you,” Dardis said.
Representatives from the Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of Realtors, fire departments and police departments were also in attendance. Those three groups host a friendly competition each year to see who can raise the most money on their designated bell ringing days.
“When we have a major emergency, they show up. They show up for the firefighters, the police officers, the EMS workers, the people that are on scene trying to help those who are having that incident occurring unfortunately to them. But they’re also there for those people later on after the fire to make sure they have shelter, food, necessities,” explains West Fargo Fire Chief Dan Fuller.
The FM Area Realtors will ring bells on Dec. 5, police departments will be ringing on Dec. 9 and the fire departments will ring the Salvation Army bells on Dec. 12.
The signature red kettles will be placed near entrances of various local businesses starting Nov. 14. In addition to accepting cash, coins and checks at the kettles, there is the option to scan a QR code or use the new Tip-Tap device which will be offered at these two locations:
- Scheels – 1551 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58103
- Hornbacher’s Northport – 2510 N Broadway Dr., Fargo, ND 58102
You can help The Salvation Army by signing up to be a volunteer bell ringer at www.registertoring.org or call 701-356-2691. You can sponsor a kettle site or mail a check to The Salvation Army, 304 Roberts Street, Fargo, ND 58102.
Community members can also donate to the virtual kettle online.
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