As the holidays approach so does the season of giving and the Hopkinsville Salvation Army is inviting the community to show some support by donating to their largest annual fundraiser, the Red Kettle Campaign.
Salvation Army Lieutenants Britney and David Donegan shared their mission and sparked some friendly competition at Tuesday’s joint Hopkinsville Rotary and Kiwanis Club meeting.
The campaign got underway on November 18 and runs through December 24. During that time bell ringers and red kettles will be stationed outside of Walmart, Kroger and other businesses in the area to raise money for the Salvation Army.
David Donegan presented a little history lesson about the campaign’s origins. He shared that the campaign started in 1891 when a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco placed a pot in a public area and invited those passing by to donate what they could to help provide meals for those less fortunate on Christmas.
This will be the Donegan’s first holiday season in Hopkinsville and their fundraising goal is $150,000. With that money, the Salvation Army plans to house over 70 individuals and families. The funds will also go toward the nonprofit’s shelter, meal services and clothing program.
During 2024, David Donegan shared that the Salvation Army provided those in need with around 8,700 nights of shelter, 48,000 meals, 45,000 boxes of groceries, 1,100 Angel tree gifts, provided permanent housing for 81 families and rehoused over 80 homeless veterans.
Although the campaign runs during the holiday season, David Donegan reminded attendees that their donations fuel the Salvation Army’s mission year round. All the money raised through the campaign will remain local.
Along with donors, the nonprofit is looking for bell ringers. Those interested can register at registertoring.com.
To conclude the meeting, the nonprofit hosted a friendly competition between the Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club to see which could donate the most money. At the meeting, Britney Donegan shared that around $1,100 was raised, Rotary came out on top raising around $810 and Kiwanis raised $340.
However, the competition between the two organizations will continue throughout the campaign. Those interested in donating can do so at any red kettle in Hopkinsville or online at salvationarmyhopkinsville.org.
