The Salvation Army of Lewis County, based in Centralia, will kick off its Red Kettle fundraising campaign next week.
The funds raised will be essential to aiding community members who need a helping hand this holiday season.
On Thursday, the nonprofit organization will host its annual breakfast fundraiser at 6:30 a.m. at 303 N. Gold St. in Centralia to kick off the giving drive.
According to Salvation Army Captain Gin Pack, this year, the Salvation Army of Lewis County has set a goal of raising $85,000.
“Everything that’s raised in Lewis County stays in Lewis County,” Pack said. “That’s a huge impact.”
According to The Salvation Army, 82 cents of every dollar helps address community needs.
The first kettle will be deployed at the Chehalis Walmart on Saturday, Nov. 16, with additional kettles arriving throughout the county on Nov. 29.
According to Pack, The Salvation Army will need approximately 2,600 volunteer hours to operate the kettles through the holiday season. To learn how to volunteer, go to registertoring.com.
According to The Salvation Army, the iconic kettles date back to 1891, when a Salvation Army Captain imported the idea from England to raise enough funds to provide Christmas dinner for 1,000 people in San Francisco.
Pack said the Chehalis and Centralia police departments have agreed to square off again in competitive bell-ringing to see which agency can raise more money, though a date has yet to be set. The Centralia Police Department narrowly won last year, raising $1,483.22 outside the Centralia Safeway, compared to the $1,476.45 Chehalis raised outside the Safeway on Market Boulevard.
The Salvation Army also anticipates a greater need for the organization's annual toy drive. Pack said the organization projects a need for 700 toys, an increase over the 660 it provided in 2023. Those who wish to donate can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Centralia Walmart, with additional giving tree locations to be announced.
For those looking for a holiday meal, The Salvation Army will host its annual Thanksgiving food distribution between Nov. 19 and 22 at its headquarters in Centralia. Those in need can pick up a holiday meal kit from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. each day.
Centralia Rotary has raised funds for the giveaway, with Walmart providing the turkeys at a discounted rate.
