Christmas Eve is the Last Day of The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Children ringing bells for the first time, a student volunteer earning National Honor Society credit, and students completing community service hours for the 4-H Club were out on Monday as The Salvation Army nears the completion of their annual Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers were found at Walgreens on Alpine Street, Walgreens on Lake Michigan Drive, as well as Woodland Mall.

Volunteer kettle coordinator Capt. Mika Roinila of Fulton Heights Citadel Corps is excited to see the conclusion of the campaign. "It's been a long campaign, but we're going to finish strong. The kettles have been extra heavy the last few days as donations have been pouring in. Literally! Some people have turned in all the coins they've saved throughout the year. It's amazing!"

Christmas Eve is the last day for kettle donations, but that's really not the end of the campaign. There are always some late submissions as mail donations trickle in, and these will all be added to the Christmas totals. As to the "Golden Kettle" contest, readers and clubs will have to wait for the release of the final standings for the award that will be given to the service club that has raised the most throughout the campaign. "There are four clubs that have been involved in this contest, and we'll have to wait until early January before we have the final results" adds Roinila.

Volunteers will be recognized at a special volunteer appreciation day at a location yet to be determined, where certificates of appreciation will be given to many volunteers and volunteer groups. This is also when the winner of the "Golden Kettle" Award will be revealed. In the meantime, The Salvation Army thanks everyone who has partcipated and has helped ring bells this season, and takes this opportunity to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. May we all be blessed!