Salvation Army Kicks off Kettle Campaign

November 12, 2009

by Rebecca Gannon

(WICHITA, Kan.)

The Salvation Army kicked off its holiday drive in downtown Wichita Thursday, by lighting a larger-than-life sized red kettle.

"We're cautiously optimistic," said Director of Development Tim Brown. "It's a very challenging year for us. This is one of those years when the economy's down, and lots of people need assistance, and a lot of the people who have given us assistance in the past have actually come to us for help."

Reporter Video: Salvation Army Lights Big Kettle

The charity hopes every person who passes a kettle will give this year. The Salvation Army wants to raise $1.7 million dollars this Christmas season, to carry it through the year. Last year, it met it's 1.4 million dollar goal, thanks to a large donation. Brown said the organization can't count on that every year.

"You know, whenever I say I work for the Salvation Army, people ask, 'Oh, so you shake the bells at Christmas?' No, it's a full year round thing," explained Todd Vopat. He works with the Salvation Army's Adolescent Program.

"They depend on us," he said, "to give them everything they need, the shelter, and the food and all that they need."

He said a loss of contributions could mean cuts -- and it could impact the teens' clothing -- the program often must clothe the teenagers, who rarely come with more than the clothing on their backs.

Earlier Thursday, the United Way announced it raised $15 million in pledges, more than $1 million short of it's goal.

But at a time when one of ten people in Wichita is unemployed, the group says it appreciates every penny.

"You could just see the entire campaign the generous spirit of our community," said 2009 Campaign Chair Craig Anderson. "Everybody stepped up, and we increased our gifts, and I just wanted to thank you very much."

Salvation Army Wichita Website

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