The Salvation Army of Lincoln will be celebrating their annual Tree of Lights Kettle Kick Off once again this year, set for Friday, November 15th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 2625 Potter St.
The family-friendly kickoff event will feature Santa, live music, face painting and balloon animals, crafts, pictures with Frosty, free refreshments and a resource fair with partner agencies. In attendance will be representatives from the Salvation Army Advisory Board and a Salvation Army brass ensemble providing special Christmas music.
“We’re basically throwing a great big party to kick off our season of fundraising,” Captain Kelsie Moreno, Commanding Officer for The Salvation Army of Lincoln, told KLIN News.
This year’s Tree of Lights Campaign Goal is $650,000. Moreno says bell ringers will be the primary driver of the campaign, with online giving and mailed in donations also contributing.
“Many people don’t realize that The Salvation Army of Lincoln is funded locally. The money raised in our community stays here to help our neighbors in need. This goal represents The Salvation Army’s ability to be ready to meet needs in Lincoln and Lancaster County not just during the holiday season, but all year long,” said Moreno.
The Salvation Army expects to provide around 6,000 meals during the holiday season, and serve thousands of area children through the Angel Tree Program.
“The demand for our food program has steadily increased over the last year. In 2023, we were averaging about 1,000 grocery orders a month… and we’ve been well over that every month this year,” Moreno shared.
She says there is a great need this year is for volunteer bellringers. Volunteers are asked to commit to a two hour shift at a location of their choice. There are thousands of volunteer hours to fill this season. To volunteer to ring the bell at one of the iconic red kettles, visit registertoring.com.
Monetary donations can be dropped into area red kettles beginning November 15th or dropped off at 2625 Potter St. in Lincoln. Secure online giving is encouraged at give.salvationarmyusa.org.
Those in need of a Thanksgiving or Christmas Meal, or toys for their children ages 0-12 can sign up at The Salvation Army. Call 402-474-6263 for application dates and times.