“Coins, checks, and bills collected from the ubiquitous red kettles help support a variety of traditional Salvation Army of Augusta social services from the homeless shelter and soup kitchen to the Corps Salvage Rehabilitation Center (drug and alcohol rehabilitation program) and job skills program.
The 2011 Red Kettle Campaign in Augusta will run from November 10 until December 24 with bells being rung at over 25 locations throughout the Greater Augusta area. Continuing a tradition that began last year, the 2011 Red Kettle Campaign began with a football-themed Kettle Kick-Off.
The Kettle Kick-Off, which took place on November 10 featured kettles representing Georgia’s college rivalry teams:the Bulldogs, the Yellow Jackets, the Eagles, the Gamecocks, and the Tigers. In addition, local booster and alumni groups affiliated with the various teams helped supply bell ringers to encourage donations to their kettles. The ringers, team colors, and friendly competition created a true “tailgate” atmosphere.
“The football theme is something that is fun and exciting for everyone. Almost everyone is a fan of one of the teams represented, so it made it easy to get people excited about volunteering and donating,” says Katie Atkinson, Volunteer Coordinator. “Everyone seemed to love it last year, but this year it was bigger and better. Popcorn was served and music played for alumni and boosters for the teams.”
Before the teams battle for school pride, there was a ceremony announcing the teams with The Salvation Army Brass Band playing.”
