MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – This week kicks off The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. Starting tomorrow, their iconic red kettles will be outside stores in Alger, Baraga, and Marquette counties to gather donations for families this holiday season.
The organization is hoping to reach a goal of $360,000 to fund the next two months of free meals, winter clothes, and toys for children. Head Administrator Bill Brutto says the community support has kept up the tradition for 134 years.
“I look at The Salvation Army and Christmas as peanut butter and jelly, it’s been together for over a hundred years,” he said. “We want to continue to give joy throughout the Christmas season, and if we can just be a small part of that, it means the world to us.”
This year, The Salvation Army will hold a 5 Days of Giving Event as well. Starting on Black Friday, each day will highlight a different way of donating:
- Friday: Participants will choose an Angel tag at the Marquette Walmart Christmas tree and purchase gifts for a local child.
- Saturday: Red Kettles will be deployed at 10 participating local small businesses for donations.
- Sunday & Cyber Monday: Giving back goes online for digital and virtual contributions.
- Giving Tuesday: A partnership alongside Eagle Mine, with a matching goal of $2,500.
All donations will be gathered through Christmas Eve. These can be made at red kettles at participating stores, online, or by check to 1009 W Baraga Ave in Marquette. Volunteer opportunities can also be found here.
