GUNNAR STINSON on his trumpet (right) along with Alex Frantz, both Owosso High School students, were managing the Red Kettle for the Salvation Army at the Owosso JCPenney store on Saturday, Nov. 7. Gunnar was playing festive holiday tunes while Alex rang the bell during the start of the annual fundraising event.
The Salvation Army Owosso citadel is located at 302 E. Exchange Street, Owosso. The 2015 Red Kettle campaign kicked off Friday, Nov. 6 and will continue through Dec. 24. The local goal is $60,000.
Season Pass Pins are available at the Owosso office for a donation of $20 or more. The pins can also be purchased by texting ‘Praise’ to 91999 and donating online: donate.salvationarmyusa.org. The Salvation Army is now offering this new way of donating to help people feel guilt-free when they pass by a kettle during the holiday season. People can simply wear the Season Pass Pin on the lapel of their jacket; signifying they have already donated.
The Season Pass Pins have been utilized in other parts of the country, but are new to this area.
The origins of the Red Kettle date back to December of 1891. Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee wanted to offer a free Christmas dinner to the needy in San Francisco. The story goes that he was inspired by a similar kettle or pot, called a “Simpson’s pot” that he had seen used for donations in Liverpool, England. Captain McFee was inspired to place his first kettle at the Oakland ferry landing, at the foot of Market Street in a position that was conspicuous to people visiting the ferry boats. The concept obviously caught on.
Lt. Jonathan Tamayo is the new commander of the Owosso citadel on Exchange Street. Call (989) 725-7485 for more information related to the 2015-16 Red Kettle Campaign. (Independent Photo/KAREN MEAD-ELFORD)
