Randy Brown, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana officially kicked off its Christmas season Wednesday, Nov. 4, with its annual Angel Tree and Red Kettle campaign celebration at Pierre Bossier Mall in Bossier City.
Community leaders, business representatives, supporters and other community partners gathered for the event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and a special appearance by the Airline High School Marching Band and cheerleaders.
In addition to Salvation Army Captain Jason McMullin, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana, speakers during the kickoff event included Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler, Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland and Bossier Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lisa Johnson. Their participation underscored the importance of community partnerships and local support in helping The Salvation Army serve families and individuals in need throughout northwest Louisiana.
The Airline students helped bring a festive atmosphere to the kickoff as the Salvation Army officially launched its holiday fundraising campaign. The Red Kettle Campaign is one of the organization’s most recognized holiday efforts, raising money to support individuals and families in need throughout northwest Louisiana.
Captain McMullin said the campaign provides an opportunity for residents to help their neighbors while supporting services that continue throughout the year.
“When you give to a Red Kettle, you are helping your neighbors, because those donations stay local,” McMullin said.
The Salvation Army has set a fundraising goal of nearly $400,000 for this year’s campaign. The organization anticipates increased requests for assistance as families continue to face rising food, utility and housing costs.
The need for assistance throughout the region remains significant. During the previous year, The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana provided more than 134,288 meals to people facing hunger, 27,816 nights of shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness and assistance to more than 500 families to help them remain in their homes.
Funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign also help support the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts and clothing to children, seniors and families who might otherwise go without during the holiday season.
Last year, the organization provided toys and essential items to more than 1,648 children and families through its Angel Tree efforts.
“Many Christmas Angels still need to be adopted,” said Captain Keisha McMullin. “Red Kettle donations help ensure every child can experience the joy and miracle of Christmas.”
The Salvation Army is encouraging residents throughout the Shreveport-Bossier area to support the campaigns by adopting an Angel Tree recipient, making a donation or volunteering as a Red Kettle bell ringer.
In addition to cash donations, Red Kettles offer several convenient ways to give. Each kettle features a QR code for donations by smartphone, and kettles also accept credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo.
Those who prefer to donate online can visit NWLAkettle.org.
For information about the Angel Tree and Red Kettle campaigns, volunteer opportunities or other Salvation Army programs, call 318-424-3200.
The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana serves individuals and families throughout the region through its ongoing efforts to provide food, shelter and other assistance to neighbors in need.