Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Fundraising Campaign Kicks Off

ST. THOMAS — Governor Kenneth Mapp joined members of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Team to drop the season opening donation into the Red Kettle, a tradition that he has personally participated for decades.

Mr. Mapp was joined by the nonprofit’s regional coordinators Kevin and Christa Bryan. Kevin played the trumpet and Christa rang the traditional brass bell on the front steps of Government House in St. Thomas, where the Red Kettle was placed for the event. The governor recounted the locations territory-wide where he has seen the Red Kettle and he encouraged residents to donate to the less fortunate.

Every year the Salvation Army hosts the Red Kettle Campaign, which is focused on helping the homeless and the less fortunate during the year with an emphasis on the holiday season. Assistance to those in need includes, but is not limited to, meals, clothing, food pantry, and basic necessities.

Volunteers will be working the kettles at the following locations in the territory:

Cost U Less

Food Center

Walgreens

K-Mart (both locations)

Table top kettles are located at:

First Bank (all branches on all three islands)

Red Hook Mail Service

“The Salvation Army is very thankful for any and all donations from our community members in helping us in “Doing the Most Good,” stated Mary Ann Brown, USVI donor relation director. For questions or to donate your time, please call The Salvation Army Captain Christa Bryan at (340) 776-0070 or Mary Ann Brown, Donor Relations/Development Director at (340) 513-1617.

To further the cause for the season, “Dinner And A Cause”, a non-profit event sponsored by a group of women on St. Thomas will host their dinner event at Government House on St. Thomas. Several times a year, the group hosts a dinner hour with all profits given to a chosen charity. This Friday Dec 9, from 5:30 – 7:30 The Salvation Army will be the benefactor. Minimum donations are $50.00 per person to attend. Share the Christmas joy by bringing a gift card or small unwrapped gift for a teenage child.

Feature Image: Governor Kenneth Mapp and Christa Bryan, co-regional coordinator. (Credit: Government House)