The Army Behind The Army
Volunteers: The Army Behind The Army
The Salvation Army’s largest annual fundraiser that supports its programs year-round.
Mississippi Gulf Coast (November 23, 2022) – The iconic Red Kettle fundraiser and Angel Tree program, the organization’s largest and most recognized annual campaigns, depend on volunteers to help raise the much-needed funds that support the services and programs that assist individuals and families in need in our community. Volunteers are critical partners in helping The Salvation Army fulfill its mission to serve individuals and families experiencing economic hardship and crisis this holiday season and throughout the year.
The Salvation Army has kicked-off its iconic holiday fundraising campaign, inviting the community to participate in its virtual #RedKettleChallenge. The 1 Kettle-1 Family-$1,000 campaign celebrates families this holiday season. This campaign has been launched in response to the challenges many individuals and families have experienced due to significantly higher food, fuel, and housing costs. The Salvation Army is inviting community members to take the #RedKettleChallenge by signing up to fundraise this holiday season through the organization’s peer-to-peer campaign. Individuals, families, organizations, clubs, and groups are encouraged to visit https://salvationarmyalm.org/msgulfcoast/ to start a campaign and share it on their social platforms, all with the goal of raising $1,000 in donations.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign goal in Jackson and George Counties is $65,000 and for the rest of the coastal counties is $150,000, will help fund holiday services for approximately 1000 children this Christmas season as well as support vital programs throughout the year that offer hope, health, and healing to those in need.
Ways to Donate:
Drop your Change in Kettles at local Businesses
Scan Kettle QR Code
Visit our website: https://salvationarmyalm.org/msgulfcoast/
Send a Check to any Salvation Army Location
“We have experienced 3 times increase in food requests due to inflation. Every volunteer hour of bellringing raises enough money to put food on the table for 13 people,” said Major Jerry Friday, Area Commander of The Salvation Army on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
To volunteer for Bell Ringing, Angel Tree, Social Services, Cold Weather Shelter contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 228-374-9106 –The Salvation Army needs volunteer bell ringers from November through December 24. Every dollar collected in the red kettles stays local to support the wide range of services and programs provided throughout the year on the entire MS Gulf Coast, including feeding the hungry, offering emergency financial assistance, youth programs, and disaster response.
Approximately 1000 children on the Mississippi Gulf Coast will experience the joyful anticipation and magical moment of a Christmas morning thanks to generous donors and the help of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program eases the overwhelming burden of the season for families in crisis by providing children with gifts, clothing, essential items, and food. The beloved holiday tree is laden with paper angels representing a child or senior who may not receive a gift at Christmas without assistance or ‘adoption.’ Deadline to return Angels is Dec 5. Please bring your new unwrapped gift to any Salvation Army by close of business.
“We are forever grateful for the generous support of our community and local businesses that work alongside The Salvation Army at Christmas and all year round,” said Lieutenant Carla Lawson, Jackson & George Counties Officer.
“Be part of something special by helping make a difference in the lives of so many this holiday season, “said Morgan Shiyou, The Salvation Army’s Marketing Coordinator. “We can’t do it without you. Our volunteers are truly the army behind the Army”.
“For more than 125 years, The Salvation Army’s red kettles have been a symbol of goodwill during the holiday season,” said Major Jerry Friday, Area Commander, “You can ring with a friend, bring your family, or split your shift with co-workers or your church group. All are welcome!”
The Salvation Army Mississippi Gulf Coast Department Numbers
Volunteer 228-374-9105 or 228-374-9099
Angel Tree 228-207-4295
Social Services 228-206-1920
Jackson & George County 228-205-0284
Kroc Center 228-207-1218
Dates 2022 - January 2023
November 2022
November 21-23, Turkey Camp at Kroc Center
December 2022
December 1, Jackson County Christmas Kettles Kick off 2pm, Pascagoula, MS
https://fb.me/e/5kXBhAkr6
December 2, George County Christmas Kettles Kick off 4:30pm, 11283 Old 63 South, Lucedale, MS
https://fb.me/e/5mQxmYYES
December 3, Motorcycle 17th Annual Toy Run First Methodist Church, 3118 Pascagoula Street, Gautier, MS- 9am
December 3, Breakfast with Santa at Kroc Center
https://fb.me/e/2gvM8jc7m
8am – 10am Waffle House $5
Christmas Vendor Market Free
8am – Until
JZ Radio Station Kids Safety Fair Free
9am – 12pm
Painting & Pastries 1pm – 3pm $35/$45 (Pre-registration Required)
12pm At Kroc Center, K&J Foundation, Butterfly Release
December 5, Angel Tree Donations due back to any Salvation Army Location at Close of Business
December 9, Windy Swetman Kettlethon - Biloxi Visitor Center Sun-up to Sundown
https://fb.me/e/8tkkh7NnS
December 12, Fire Challenge 10am - 5pm
https://fb.me/e/594fU7Oa5
December 14, Police Challenge 10am - 5pm
https://fb.me/e/2uttr550e
December 15 Stone County Angel Tree Distribution Day
December 16, Mayors Challenge 10am - 5pm
https://fb.me/e/2ss9U7TCO
December 19, Biloxi & Gulfport Angel Tree Distribution Day
December 21, Jackson County Angel Tree Distribution Day
December 22, George County Angel Tree Distribution Day
December 24, Last Day for Kettles Christmas Eve at 2pm
December 27-30, Christmas Camp for Kids at Kroc Center
January 2023
January 7, 11th Annual Frosty Kroc Run 5K & 10K, 1 Mile Fun Run, 8:30am
at the Biloxi Ocean Spring Bridge
January 2 – 31 Kroc Center No Registration Fees
Always check websites for event changes and cancellations
www.KrocMSCoast.org & https://salvationarmyalm.org/
Facebook:
@salarmymsgulfcoast
@salvationarmyjacksongeorgecounties
https://www.facebook.com/kroccentermscoast