The annual college sports-themed event will kick-off the famous Salvation Army’s Red Kettle season. At 11:00am the first gift of the season will be donated in the famous red kettle along with Christmas music by The Salvation Army brass band. Throughout the day, kettles will be set up to represent college sports teams, such as the Bulldogs, Eagles, Jaguars, Tigers, Gamecocks, Crimson Tide and the Air Force Falcons  People are encouraged to donate to the kettle representing their favorite team. The team that collects the most donations will be crowned the “2015 Kettle Kick-Off Champion”.

The annual red kettle campaign is one of The Salvation Army’s largest and most recognized fundraisers. This year, hundreds of volunteers, as well as paid workers, will be stationed all over the Augusta area collecting much needed donations that will fund Salvation Army programs throughout the year. Programs such as the free Residential Alcohol & Drug Rehabilitation, homeless shelter, Soup Line, and Job Skills Training programs will benefit from the money raised.

Volunteer bell ringers are needed throughout the season. Individuals, families, clubs and businesses are encouraged to volunteer at your choice of over 30 kettles locations in Augusta, Augusta Mall, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, Martinez, North Augusta, Thomson, or Waynesboro until December 24,2015. Sign up early for the best choice of locations and dates. To contact Ali at: 706-434-3185 to volunteer.

 “Angel Tree”

Now through Dec. 5

The Angel Tree Program brings the joy of Christmas to children from families in need with the help of generous sponsors. Gifts purchased by sponsors are given by The Salvation Army to parents who may then experience the pride of providing gifts for their children and the treasure of sharing in their excitement.

Angels are available at The Salvation Army Kroc Center and other participating locations in the Augusta area. For more information or to sponsor angels contact Major Vicki Perez, 706.922.1524

Red Kettle MATCH Sponsor

Now through Dec. 24

Sponsor a Kettle this Christmas with a matching gift challenge, gift-for-gift! Challenge kettle donors with the opportunity to double their gifts by sponsoring a kettle and matching their gift up to a dollar level that you choose.

• Red Kettles are one of the most recognized symbols of benevolence during Christmas.

• Your business benefits from that visibility.

• Your business name/logo, organization or family name featured on the kettle sign.

• You set the $ dollar match limit amount, starting at $250 and up.

• Option to choose your MATCH Kettle for your employees to ring-the-bell wearing company shirts and name badges letting everyone know you’re matching every gift.

• Help local families in need.

Your choice kettle dates and over 40 kettle locations throughout the CSRA.

For more information contact:  John Sebby at 706-434-3177

Thanksgiving Eve Meal

Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1:30-4:30pm

The Salvation Army Center of Hope, 1384 Greene Street

The Salvation Army’s annual Thanksgiving Eve Meal at the Center of Hope Soup Kitchen and Homeless Shelter at 1384 Greene Street in Augusta. This meal is free and open to anyone in need.