The first Red Kettle in the United States dates back to 1891 in San Francisco. Salvation Army officer Captain Joseph McFee wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to the city’s poor. His task was to find a way to pay for food.
Capt. McFee recalled many years earlier, during his days as a sailor in Europe, seeing a large pot on display at Stage Landing in Liverpool, England. It was named a “Simpson’s Pot” and was used to collect donations from passersby. McFee adopted the idea, obtaining permission from San Francisco authorities to set up a tripod and crab pot at the Oakland Ferry landing. There the kettle and McFee stood, as he called out to those who could hear, “Keep the Pot Boiling!” He drew the attention of passengers and received many donations.
When you drop money into a Red Kettle, whether here at home or around the world, you know The Salvation Army is Doing the Most Good with the donation. Much more than words, it is our promise.
All the money collected here (in the Washington area) stays here. In the last year, Red Kettle money helped families in need of emergency assistance -including utility, rental and food help- and programs that support the local struggling families and their children.
Every year, it takes an army of volunteers standing outside of businesses while ringing the bell to inspire our friends and neighbors to donate and help meet the needs of those most in need.
Give at any of one of the more than 200 Red Kettles spread throughout the National Capital region or donate online at www.salvationarmynca.org. Or get involved more by setting up an Online Red Kettle. To learn more, visit onlineredkettle.org.
