Carpino Joins Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Brigade
CROMWELL- State Representative Christie Carpino helped ring the bell to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s “Red Kettle Campaign” on December 3rd outside of Walmart in Cromwell.
Walmart has promised a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution for the Salvation Army by Rep. Carpino’s volunteer efforts that hour. Through the Bell Ringing Across America program, Walmart partners with the Salvation Army to promote the famous red kettle tradition of holiday giving.
“Every little bit helps this season. I’ve made my volunteer bell ringing an annual event. The red kettles and silver bells are an American holiday tradition centered around helping those in-need. The Salvation Army provides for the poor and hungry both at Christmas and all year round. I’m honored to be part of such a long standing tradition like the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign and thankful to Wal-Mart for generously agreeing to match my fundraising,” said Carpino.
The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been an American tradition since 1891 when a Salvation Army Captain in San Francisco sought to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area’s poor. Since then, the red kettle tradition has spread throughout Europe and even as far as Japan, Korea and Chile. The Salvation Army aids more than 5 million people at Thanksgiving and Christmas while also providing year-round to the world’s aged, ill, poor and unfortunate. Contributions to the Salvation Army provide food, shelter, clothing and other assistance to over 35 million people world-wide.
Carpino encouraged would-be-donors or volunteers who were not able to participate in-person during her sponsored hour to visit the Salvation Army website which has a “Ring the Bell from Home” online donation site www.onlineredkettle.com where donors can set up or give to virtual “red kettles.”