FORT WALTON BEACH — It’s that time of year again. The Salvation Army of Okaloosa and Walton counties and the Northwest Florida Daily News are asking for your help raising money for families in need this holiday season.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, The Magnolia Grill in Downtown Fort Walton Beach will host the Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff event. Refreshments will be served at 9 a.m., and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Northwest Florida Daily News reporter Collin Bestor will serve as the honorary chair of this year’s campaign.
The event will coincide with the beginning of the Angel Tree Gift program, with more than 1,000 local children available for sponsorship this year in partnership with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida.
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The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign includes the Empty Stocking Fund, a direct mail appeal in partnership with the Daily News, and those Red Kettles, which have stood as a symbol of goodwill for more than 100 years.
The Salvation Army of Okaloosa-Walton is looking to raise $175,000 in the red kettles and $175,000 in the Daily News Empty Stocking Fund to help sustain vital programs and services that help needy families.
“The Christmas effort is the result of many partnerships within the community,” Lt. Abby Milner of the Salvation Army said. “This year, we are pleased to partner with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida as well as numerous local businesses and volunteers to maximize the Angel Tree efforts.
“The Kettle Campaign is possible because of businesses like Publix, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Winn-Dixie and Bass Pro Shop, who allow the Army to collect locally. Of course, it is the generous members of our community who make it possible for us to carry on the work of The Salvation Army through their donations. Because of that generosity, we are able to show compassion and kindness to our neighbors in need throughout the year.”
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This holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest. Salvation Army officials stress that any contribution will help — and donations of time are accepted as gratefully as donations of money.
“Reaching out to those in need by volunteering to ring bells or to collect food and toys is a wonderful way to connect with the community, to give back, to share blessings, and to be blessed in return,” Milner said.
To volunteer this Christmas season, contact Milner at 850-243-453 or Board Chair Tom Rice at 850-302-0266
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Salvation Army’s Red Kettel Drive to begin on Nov. 23
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