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The Salvation Army seeks to “Rescue Christmas” with 12-day campaign

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November 09, 2020
WEST PALM BEACH – This year, The Salvation Army serving northern Palm Beach County is focusing its iconic Red Kettle campaign into just 12 days. Only on these special 12 Days of Christmas will you hear the bells of its dedicated volunteers, asking the Palm Beach County community to help The Salvation Army meet a need that is greater than ever. 
 
“The truth is that our community has been hit hard by the pandemic. Unemployment in our area is up almost three times what it was this time last year,” said Lt. Juliana Mason, pastor at The Salvation Army in West Palm Beach with Capt. Brandon Mason. “People are truly struggling, and The Salvation Army wants to do all we can to help.”
 
Local businesses can join the effort. At each of 12 red kettles throughout northern Palm Beach County, The Salvation Army will be displaying the name of businesses who are giving back to their community by volunteering their time to ring bells or by sponsoring a kettle.
 
“Even two hours at a kettle can give can help us rescue Christmas for those in need,” Lt. Mason said.
 
For each day of fundraising, The Salvation Army also will give a 12 Days of Christmas Award to the organization who raises the most at their kettle.
 
“We hope that some friendly competition pushes people to give even more and encourage others to give as well!”
 
Any donations given at a local kettle remain in the community, allowing The Salvation Army to help the community. Specifically, The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County helps provide food as well as emergency funds for families struggling to pay the rent or their utility bills. The organization also offers spiritual care during these trying times.
 
And for Christmas, The Salvation Army provides gifts to children whose families might have to choose between Christmas presents or paying the bills.  The Angel Tree program allows the community to “adopt” an “angel” and shop for Christmas presents specifically for that child, including clothes and toys off his or her wish list.
 
This year, the community can shop online for an angel and have the gifts shipped right to The Salvation Army. For details about adopting an angel, visit www.SalvationArmyPalmBeachCounty.org.
 
At its kettles, The Salvation Army is committed to keeping its bell ringers as well as the public safe despite the ongoing pandemic. Bell ringers will be required to wear masks and will be trained in required safety protocols.
 
“We want the public to feel as safe as possible when they give at a kettle,” Mason said.
 
Additionally, the public will be able give using their smart phones at any of the red kettles. Contactless donations began last year, and the process has been improved this year. All electronic donations stay within Palm Beach County as well. 
 
To sign up to ring a bell during one of the 12 Days of Christmas, visit www.RegistertoRing.com. For help volunteering, call Stacy Sinkeldam at 561-686-3530.
 
For information about kettle sponsorship, contact Lt. Juliana Mason at 561-252-5897 or juliana.mason@uss.salvationarmy.org.
 
For more details about programs and services at The Salvation Army in Palm Beach County, visit www.SalvationArmyPalmBeachCounty.org.
 
The 12 Days of Christmas are:
  • Saturday, Nov. 28
  • Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5
  • Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12
  • Thursday to Saturday, Dec. 17-19
  • Monday to Thursday, Dec. 21-24
Contact:
Juliana Mason, Pastor
juliana.mason@uss.salvationarmy.org, (561) 252-5897