The Salvation Army of Reading kicked off it’s 2021 Red Kettle holiday fundraising season Tuesday morning in Reading by delivering turkeys and food boxes to roughly 1000 area families in need.
A group of volunteers from Reading Hospital, along with State Representative Manny Guzman, helped in the effort to package and distribute the turkeys and food boxes.
The Salvation Army installs Red Kettles in its local communities every holiday season to raise money for individuals and families in need.
This holiday season, Red Kettles are out every Monday through Saturday at local retailers: Redners, Boscov’s, WalMart, Sams Club, Big Lots and Cabelas. After raising $130,000 last year, The Salvation Army of Reading intends to raise $200,000 this year, and is calling on bell ringers and volunteers to help it meet its goal.
The Salvation Army is also organizing an Angel Tree program which provides gifts for local children, seniors and veterans.
This year, The Salvation Army’s holiday message is that “Hope Marches On” for those who continue to be impacted from pandemic poverty – whether they are homeless, on the verge of eviction, or are hungry.
This is the second turkey distribution by The Salvation Army of Reading this week. On Monday, the organization partnered with Penske to distribute turkeys to 125+ families in need for Thanksgiving. Staff members of Penske provided, packed and distributed the turkey to families, all who were identified and contacted by the Salvation Army.
