Smiles stretched across faces the faces of guests as familiar holiday songs filled the air throughout the night during the Leesburg Salvation Army’s 2024 Red Kettle Campaign Christmas Kick-Off this past Wednesday at the Salvation Army’s Worship/Service Center, 2605 South Street, Leesburg.
Guests enjoyed a charcuterie spread, hot cocoa and coffee, and testimonies shared by those who have been positively impacted by the nonprofit organization.
“The main goal of the event is to get more volunteers to ring our bell. We want to get more churches, neighborhood organizations and individuals to get involved near where they live,” said Major Marie Harris, volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army. “This helps support the different programs that the Army leads.”
During the year the Salvation Army leads several communities benefit programs including a community breakfast Monday through Friday, a senior lunch program on Tuesday afternoon and emergency disaster services.
Guests were encouraged to support to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign by accepting donations or sponsoring a Christmas gift for a child in a process called “Adopt an angel.”
The Red Kettle initiative first began in 1891 when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee thought of a way to raise money to provide a free Christmas dinner to those in need in San Francisco, and 133 years later, the tradition is continued across the nation and the world.
Leesburg Salvation Army Captain Jeremy Porter introduced Irene Turner during the Red Kettle Campaign to share how her daughter benefited from receiving a single Christmas gift. Turner said her daughter, who received a keyboard as an anonymous gift from the Salvation Army, is now a music producer.
“I wish I knew who donated that keyboard because they changed the whole trajectory of her life,” Turner said. Harris also stressed the importance of the organization’s work because of the impact it has on the community overall.
“During the year, (people) have a lot of expenses,” Turner said, “so during the holidays, they need extra help to afford gifts. It takes a village.”
She said that many clubs in The Villages assist the Salvation Army during the holidays, including the General Federation of Women’s Club of The Villages and the Grand Masters Dragon Boat Club of The Villages.
Harris added that even with a little over 700 volunteers helping to ring bells in 2023, they still would’ve loved to have more to increase the reach of the campaign. Roughly 1,000 families in Lake and Sumter County are consistently serviced by the local Salvation Army.
“The red kettle is really an icon in every town. It symbolizes that it is a time of giving. It means so much to our volunteers when they hear the stories of how they’ve blessed someone,” Harris said. “It’s an encouragement because we have long hours to fill that constant need.”
Throughout the night of the 2024 Red Kettle Kick Off, the room joined in with one and other singing Christmas carols including “Silver Bells”, “Let it Snow” and “Silent Night.” The Salvation Army Brass Band also closed the night with a performance.
Between songs and testimonials, guests were able to vote for the Kettle Art Contest, where local artists competed to see who had the best hand-painted kettle featuring a Christmas theme. Semeion Richardson, owner of Artist with a Purpose art gallery, won first place in the competition.
For those who weren’t able to attend the Christmas Kick-Off, which Harris called “the perfect night for people to come together and have a happy time”, save the date for an upcoming free family event. From 3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 8, children and families are invited to The Salvation Army to read the children’s book “The Christmas Ladder” written by Chris Atkins. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Atkins, who will be in attendance to read his book.
There will be coffee, hot cocoa, snacks, and a craft for guests. Children who attend will receive a free version of the book as well. Registration for the event is required. To register for the event or make a donation, visit leesburg.salvationarmyflorida.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
