Salvation Army of Michigan City kicks off annual Kettle Campaign

The Salvation Army of Michigan City is ready to kick off another Red Kettle Season, with a Christmas Campaign theme of “Fight for Good.”

The annual Red Kettle Kick Off will take place on Thursday, November 14 at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 3507 Franklin Street from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. During this time, the public is welcome to stop in and join in the festivities marking the official start of the Christmas season.

“Seeing bell ringers out at The Salvation Army red kettles has really become synonymous with the holiday season,” said Major Dale Simmons, who oversees the local Salvation Army with his wife, Major Becky Simmons.  “When people see Salvation Army bell ringers at storefronts, they know Christmas is right around the corner. We hope the community will continue to show the compassionate generosity we’ve seen so often here in Michigan City.  We’ve only called Michigan City our home for just over a year not, but we are so amazed by the willingness to help others in their community have a Merry Christmas,” he said.

Last year, The Salvation Army served more than 600 families at Christmas time, providing toys for needy families with young children, and food to those who are struggling to make ends meet.  Simmons expects to serve about the same number of local families this year, and explained that this year’s goal is to raise $200,000 through the Christmas Campaign. These funds will help with Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance, but will also support year-rounds services.

“We rely on funds raised through our Red Kettles to support our programs throughout the year,” he explained, describing The Salvation Army’s many programs including a food pantry, men’s overnight shelter, diaper bank, utility assistance, summer camp and more.

Helping to spread some Christmas cheer, the Michigan City Fire and Police departments will be ringing bells at McDonald’s during the Kick Off event. Also, choirs from Pine Elementary School and St. Stanislaus Catholic School will be singing Christmas carols.

A short program will take place at 8 a.m. to formally introduce this year’s Christmas Campaign Co-Chairs, Chuck and Rita Oberlie along with Tim and Sandy Cipares. Also, sponsors of this year’s Christmas Campaign will be recognized during this program, including gold level sponsors, Blue Chip Casino, Central States Manufacturing and Horizon Bank; and silver level sponsors, Harbour Trust and Investment Management Company, Martorano Roofing/GAF/Richard’s Building Supply, Woodruff and Sons, Centre for Contemporary Dentistry, Haas and Associates, Rowley Bushue and Company, and B&E Marine.

Serving as Celebrity Coffee Pourers this year will be Kyle Kazmierczak of the Michigan City Fire Department, Chef Erik Tannehill, State Rep. Pat Boy, Jeanne Ann Cannon of Dunebrook, Katie Eaton of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Ron Heeg with the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, Abby May of Safe Harbor, and Dave Sisk of the United Way of La Porte County.

As is tradition with the Red Kettle Kick Off, the Lubeznik family will once again donate all coffee sales from Michigan City McDonald’s Restaurants through 11 a.m. to The Salvation Army in support of the Christmas Campaign.  “We are so grateful to the Lubeznik family for hosting this event for us at McDonald’s every year,” Simmons said. “Their generosity is certainly appreciated as we continue our mission of serving those in need during the holidays and throughout the year.”