Salvation Army of West Chester Needs Red Kettle Volunteers

WEST CHESTER, PA –The holiday season is quickly approaching and The Salvation Army of West Chester’s annual Red Kettle campaign is now underway. The Salvation Army is working hard to find volunteer bell ringers to help with the Christmas fundraising campaign, which seeks to raise thousands of dollars in West Chester this season. All donations collected throughout the annual holiday campaign will fund programs that provide hope and change lives year round for Chester County residents.

The iconic tradition of bell ringers and red kettles is the most recognizable fundraising effort for The Salvation Army. Bell ringing opportunities are open for individuals and groups. Volunteers are asked to ring bells while standing alongside red kettles for at least a two hour shift, up to a six hour shift, Monday through Saturday, between the hours of 10am and 8pm. Passersby place monetary donations inside the kettles, which will be stationed outside Kmart, Acme, and ShopRite in West Chester, as well as the Exton Square Mall, Hobby Lobby and Walmart in Exton until December 24.

“Volunteers are crucial in The Salvation Army's efforts to meet the changing needs of our local community,” said Captain Maria Corraliza, Corps Officer, The Salvation Army of West Chester. “We are extremely grateful for their generosity and ongoing support of our Red Kettle campaign and other year-round initiatives. They are truly the army behind The Army,” she added.

Community members who are interested in volunteer opportunities are asked to contact Captain Maria Corraliza at (973) 851-3264 or maria.corraliza@use.salvationarmy.org for more information.

The Salvation Army is committed to providing hope and transforming lives of the underserved in West Chester. Each year, it serves more than 1,500 individuals and families locally with programs and services such as: housing and shelter, food assistance (community meals and food pantry), utility assistance, an afterschool program, rent assistance, holiday assistance, and worship services. This is all possible due in part to the funds generated from its annual red kettle campaign.

In addition to kettle volunteers, The Salvation Army of West Chester is in need of gifts and toys for its Adopt-A-Child program this Christmas. The program aims to provide gifts to 250 local children from underserved families. Members of the community who are interested in supporting the Adopt-a-Child program this season, should contact Sue Scovell at 610-696-8746, ext. 203 or susan.scovell@use.salvationarmy.org.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives. Since 1879, The Army has held a record of accomplishment stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually. The Army’s programming serves every zip code through 51 community centers and a network of volunteers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Delaware. Programs and services include: shelter, hot meals, counseling, early childhood development, recreational opportunities, music programs, after-school arts and educational programs, job training, activities for older adults, spiritual development, and drug rehabilitation.

Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

For more information, please visit www.SalvationArmyWestChester.org or www.SalvationArmyPA.org