All year Rochester's Salvation Army is helping individuals and families in need...from the Christmastime services and warming centers you probably know about, to housing assistance and doctor / dentist visits. And that's just a sample. More about that later.

Right now tho it's time to announce the kickoff for the Rochester Salvation Army's Red Kettle Season!

On Friday the 8th at 10 AM, head to the Hy-Vee on West Circle Drive for this year's opening celebration. Think Mutual Bank, the Managers of all 4 Rochester Hy-Vees, our Christmas Chairman, Kathleen Harrington, City Councilman, Mark Bilderback, and their new Salvation Army Mascot, Captain Kettle will be there.

I asked Rebecca Snap, Director of Community Engagement for the Rochester Salvation Army, to tell me how the money helps. She said it's their budget for the whole year.

The Salvation Army operates through 5 pillars of programming: emergency social services, housing, the Good Samaritan Health Clinic, our Caring Partners Adult Day Program, and our youth and ministry services. In 2018, we served over 11,500 people.

“Doing the Most Good.” In these four words, our mission to feed, clothe, comfort, and care. We rebuild broken homes and broken lives, and in living and sharing the Christian Gospel by meeting tangible needs, we give the world a lasting display of the love behind our beliefs. (Rebecca Snap)

Over the next month-and-a-half, they'll need your help in many different volunteer situations.

  • Bell Ringing
  • Red Kettle Driver
  • Christmas Application Processing
  • Gobble Wobble Family 5k and Fun Run
  • Thanksgiving Day Meal Service
  • Toy and Joy Shop
  • Christmas Day Meal Service

HERE is the page with all the opportunities and descriptions.

Listen to James Rabe 6a to 9a on Y-105 FM

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