Pictured, from left: Chip Chapman, Jeff Eversole, Major Chiffonia Smith and Major Mark Smith
Attendees pass the Red Kettle
Event table
Major Mark Smith addresses the crowd
Salvation Army Brass Band
The Salvation Army’s Chattanooga Area Command celebrated the start of the holiday season with a campaign kickoff event Friday. The event, featuring Salvation Army personnel, volunteers and community leaders, marks the beginning of The Salvation Army’s Hope Marches On fundraising campaign, which includes three of the organization’s hallmark holiday programs that serve more than 10,000 individuals throughout the area.
“Last year, as we dealt with unprecedented difficulties surrounding the pandemic, I was humbled and inspired by the multitude of generous people in the community who helped us create joy, hope and comfort despite the challenges we all endured in 2020,” said Major Mark Smith of the Chattanooga Area Command.
“However, the need in our area is still great. As we steadily recover from the impact of COVID-19, I encourage everyone to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need.”
While the number of families and individuals requesting The Salvation Army’s assistance is down from 2020, it is still more than 30 percent higher than the pre-pandemic average.
The Angel Tree Program, which filled up roughly one week after registration opened, works to reduce financial strain on families by providing children and senior adults with Christmas gifts, toys, holiday food boxes and other essentials like blankets, coats and cookware.
Angel Adoptions open online and in Hamilton Place and Northgate malls on Monday, and in Walmart Supercenters on Nov. 15. Angel Trees will not be present in Walmart’s Neighborhood Market stores. The Angel Tree window closes in early December, so adopters are encouraged to participate in the program as early as possible.
In addition, bell ringers will return to select retailers for Ringing at the Red Kettle, with safety protocol and procedures in place to prevent the spread of illness. The Salvation Army is still seeking paid individuals and volunteers to stand for change this holiday season as a bell ringer. Other volunteer opportunities, such as facilitating Angel Tree adoptions, delivering holiday meals and assisting with Christmas gift distribution, are available at
www.csarmy.org/volunteer.
The #RedKettleChallenge also began Friday with the first formal challenges issued by the Chattanooga Red Wolves, NABCO Electric Company, JDH Company and News 12. This initiative encourages businesses and organizations to raise at least $1,000 for Salvation Army programs, while challenging others to enter the friendly competition. Each group that raises $1,000 by Dec. 31 receives a Red Kettle Trophy, while the group that raises the most money earns the unique Gold Kettle Trophy.
“Through Angel Tree adopters, bell ringers, Red Kettle Challenge participants and other donations, we’re able to help children have a wonderful Christmas morning, keep those experiencing homelessness fed and out of the cold and support families in our area dealing with the effects of poverty,” said Major Smith. “Without kindhearted, caring people, we could not carry out our mission in Chattanooga.”
Visit
www.csarmy.org to adopt an Angel, explore volunteer opportunities and to take the Red Kettle Challenge. If you are interested in becoming a paid bell ringer or have questions regarding any Salvation Army program, call 423-756-1023.