Salvation Army Starts Annual Red Kettle Drive

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Get ready to hear the ringing of bells at your local retailers. The Salvation Army officially kicked off their Red Kettle Drive this morning with their goal of $900,000.

“That money comes to support local agencies funding local for Salvation Army. 83 percent of every dollar goes to direct client need,” said Abe Tamayo, Major at Salvation Army.

Red Kettle donations have helped families since 1891. Bringing a joyous tradition each year.

“It’s a great family tradition, it’s a new tradition for some and an old tradition for others. We had one family that had a bell in their family for three generations where they rang for the Salvation Army,” said Tamayo.

Over the years, law enforcement to the fire departments and realtors have been in competition to who can be at the top of donations. So far the realtors have been at the top.

“We love our friends in law enforcement and fire and we do love beating them so that’s the main goal. ”
“FM Realtors started Realtor Ring Day which has spread to the majority of the states nationwide and so we’re really proud of that,” said Katie Johansen, President of FMRealtors.

Although local police officers believe they can beat local firefighters, they are taking all the shifts to reach their goal of being number one.

“The Salvation Army we really rely on them if there’s an incident where we’re going to be there for quite awhile they’ll come out and like they said they give us some refreshments to keep us going during the long hours. So this is great we love giving back to them, so this is what it’s all about,” said Jason Dura, Commander of Community Services Unit for West Fargo PD.

Speakers at the kickoff are optimistic about reaching this year’s goal.

“This community is really like no other. It’s a community where people show up for one another, they care about one another deeply. They show up for one another for volunteer activities, but also in times of great need,” said Shannon Full, President and CEO of Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce.

Red Kettles can be found at your local retailers.