BATH

The Salvation Army Bath- Brunswick began its Red Kettle 2017 campaign began on Nov. 13 and ends Dec. 23.

The Red Kettle campaign goal for 2017 is $80,000. The monies raised in the Bath- Brunswick community stay here to help those in need at Christmas and in the coming year in 2018. The Salvation Army Bath-Brunswick uses the monies for food assistance, supplemental heating assistance, utility assistance, rent/security deposit assistance and character building programs for youth in our community, sending community children to Camp Sebago in Standish; as well, as Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance Program. As of Dec. 20, the Red Kettle campaign is at 68 percent of its goal. Red Kettle locations in the Bath-Brunswick are Renys Bath, Brackett’s IGA, Shaw’s Bath, Dollar Tree, TJ Maxx, Shaw’s Brunswick, and Walmart Brunswick. Lieutenants Neil and Kirsten Childs, Corps Officers are hopeful the community will rally and help them meet their goal.

“We have been blessed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of the community with their monies and time this Christmas season,” said the Salvation Army’s Kirsten Childs.

The last day of the Red Kettle 2017 campaign this year is Dec. 23 and won’t be out on Christmas Eve, as the kettles don’t go out on Sundays, as it is recognized as a day of rest and worship.

The Red Kettle has been a longstanding tradition with The Salvation Army and, indeed, an endearing sight across the country during the Christmas season. Dating back more than 126 years, the kettle has been an important source of revenue in addition to being an iconic symbol of the holidays.