LAWRENCE — With music and customary bell ringing, the Salvation Army continued a 135-year tradition at local Market Baskets Friday.
The Salvation Army kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign with midday celebrations at local grocery stores that included volunteers, musicians and even a saxophonist performing holiday music.
The Salvation Army in Lawrence expects to raise $100,000 locally through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign to meet increasing requests for assistance.
Annually and year-round, The Salvation Army of Lawrence provides critical services across the Merrimack Valley, organizers said.
While the holidays are often called the most wonderful time of the year, The Salvation Army noted many of our neighbors in need experience them differently.
This year, the nonprofit is encouraging families to volunteer to ring the bells together to get in the spirit and support their local communities as part of the Red Kettle Campaign.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many Massachusetts residents face the growing threat of poverty and the inability to provide for themselves and their families during the holidays.
The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division works every day to be a critical resource and part of the safety net by providing Christmas gifts and food, offering support for bills, and providing shelter to those without a home. On average, volunteer bell ringers raise enough money to provide nearly 250 meals to children and families in their respective towns, organizers said.
Operating locally for more than 135 years, The Salvation Army has relied upon its iconic Red Kettle campaign since the 1890s to provide support and services to those in need.
Red Kettle kickoffs were held Friday at Market Baskets in North Andover, Middleton and Reading.
To volunteer at a Red Kettle or donate online, visit salvationarmyma.org/lawrence to learn more.
The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people in nearly every zip code in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army operates more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter @EagleTribJill and Threads at jillyharma.