Due to the current U.S. economic crisis, red Salvation Army kettles, accompanied by bell-ringing volunteers and staff, are appearing in some cities south of the border.
For the first time in three decades, The Salvation Army Times Square Ministries in New York deployed its kettles out of season.
During the week-long campaign, a total of 150 kettles were used, about half the number deployed at Christmas. They were concentrated in the Manhattan area.
In Canada, this has been a difficult year. The economy slumped into a recession and Canadians continue to be affected by the downturn. The Salvation Army has seen a 10-30% increase in demand for its services across Canada.
Should the economic downturn prompt an out-of-season kettle campaign? Should Salvation Army red kettles appear in the summer?
July 28th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Why not?
There is some real beauty to Kettle’s and the Christmas season. A time when giving is hightened and when the joy flooding the streets trumps the cold, and here in Canada, often bitter cold days.
Salvation Army Kettles are a favored thing in the winter, what I mean by that is people expect to see them on street corners and in malls during the season – and by having a special time for them (rather then some thing that becomes mundane and repetetive) encourages others to give…
However, if people need help, and we need money to help others, then yeah, let us get those kettles out and about and spread the word. And though it might affect the Kettle total at Christmas by a some, I think the summer and winter totals might actually increase the yearly total.
Plus, Kettles AND a tan – can’t beat the combo (though the scarves and bleeding knuckles do run a close second)
We just might need to forfit the bells and use a harmonica or fiddle or some other summery-type instrument…
July 29th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
The last time Christmas kettles were used out of season in Canada wasin October 1954, collecting funds for hurricane Hazel relief. FYI
August 4th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Plus, Kettles AND a tan – can’t beat the combo
Loved your comment Nicole. Thanks!
August 13th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
I totally disagree with using our traditional Red Kettles at any other time then Christmas. The kettles are the biggest Public Relations campaign we have. When people see the kettles out at Christmas they now where the money is going and that it is being used to Give Hope to a family that might not have a Christmas.
If we use the kettles all year round they will not have the effect that they do now. We put the kettles out after Christmas a few years ago and we were told we were being greedy. We have a campaign that has a lot of respect from the public and if we abuse it we will regret it..
August 14th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
In these tough times its a great idea and thing to do. For where I live in Sudbury Ont. the biggest empolyer their workers are out on strike aand some of the workers are turning to the food banks for help. This will show and let the public know that the Salvation Army is out to help year round..
August 17th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
i don’t think it hurts anyone to have the kettles out in the summer you get about just as much if not more as in the winter and then you would get twice mybe even triple the amount from just doing it in the winter. That means more money for food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, and family services and all the other stuff the Salvation Army does. I think it is a great idea.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:30 am
I say have them out all year round , more money ,the more help you can give . simple plan ,simple solution !
December 12th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I truly love the kettles and as long as we promote why we are putting out the kettles, and how the money is helping, maybe a year long campaign would be a good answer to the economy.
This is why we have the kettle campaign…
Thank you
December 29th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Yes I believe that the kittles should be out in the summer as well. Having had a
bad experience doing kittles where we were placed , was out of place where the money was. I get a good ministry from the kittles .
December 29th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Yes I do believe that the kittles should be placed outside the business in the
summer so as to get more money to help more people . I found it very hard to
get money from people this winter as we had our kittles placed in an entrance
to a mall where the business and money was not . My feeling is that there should be
a better organization of kittles , whether it be summer or winter , and we should
have a presence at ball games, hockey games & highland games . Also we should
have more volunteers working the kittles ,as I have seen people reading books,
doing crossword puzzles etc . The cards that we gave out this year was beautiful
however there should have been a 2010 calendar printed on the other side, to
keep people reminded of who we are , what we do etc . I do believe that each
corp should look after their own kittles , or else have a special officer placed
in each town to look after the kittles, with these people , and only these
people get paid . I do get a good ministry from the kittles, & meeting people.
In closing May God Bless
February 28th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
I agree with Roxanne that the kettles should be out year round as I’d be delighted to donate to this, the most worthy cause ever.
AND
I’d like to see it be easier to make donations at thrift stores, possibly a “donation button” on the electronic banking keypad (much like a “tip button” at restaurants).
March 12th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
The general public expects the Army to meet the challenges of needy people year round. Several mail appeals go out each year. Appeal for Missions, and the public keep respond if asked.
At one time we would have uniformed Salvationist at horse racing tracks, country fairs to sell War Cry’s and collect money. I even stood inside a small bank a thousand miles north of Montreal, with a tripod and kettle and a sign outlining what the money was for. Great response!
If the people trust us, and we have a reason for fund-raising , hop to it and get the red kettle out. But you have to be happy doing it!