CBS 58 helps launch Red Kettle Campaign at Milwaukee Public Market

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County kicked off their Red Kettle Campaign on Friday morning at the Milwaukee Public Market. CBS 58 Morning Anchor Alex Corradetti emceed the event.

For the last two years, Alex has raised money for the Salvation Army with Milwaukee County by taking part in their Celebrity Bell Ringing Competition. Last year, Alex and her co-anchor Frankie Jupiter came in 2nd place by raising $1,081.82.

The Salvation Army is always interested in finding new ways that people can donate at the red kettles. They've recently added the "Tap to Give" option. All you must do is go up to a kettle and tap your credit card on the dollar amount you’d like to give. It is very easy!

The Salvation Army hopes to continue helping families across Milwaukee County and Wisconsin this year. The money raise stays right in our community.

Milwaukee County is home to four worship and community centers, three thrift stores, five food pantries, one homeless shelter and one adult rehabilitation center. The money raised here goes toward food pantries, summer meals programs and their shelter. Funds also go toward emergency situations.

Did you know that the Red Kettle Campaign is the largest fundraising event for The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County? This year's goal is to raise $3,500,000 for Milwaukee County; $425,300 of that is red kettles.

The goal includes donations at the kettles, mail appeal, major gifts, special events, online donations and text donations.

The red kettles will be out from Nov. 15 through Dec. 24 at more than 80 different sites in Milwaukee County with 87 cents of every $1 going toward Milwaukee County residents in need.

If you cannot make it to a red kettle this season, there are other ways you can donate, including sending a check to The Salvation Army, 11315 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.

You can also text MKE to 24365 or donate online here.

If you would like to create your own red kettle fundraising campaign, click here.

There are special bell ringing days coming up too!

• Celebrity Bell Ringing Day (local celebrities will compete against each other) – Dec. 12 at the Milwaukee Public Market.
• Milwaukee Police Bell Ringing Day (police districts will compete against one another) – Dec. 6 around Milwaukee. The Christmas Family Feast is also quickly approaching.
• The 35th annual Christmas Family Feast will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Baird Center (former Wisconsin Center), 400 W. Wisconsin Ave.
• It is free and open to the public.
• It will be dine in only.

The Salvation Army also has their Toy Shop.

• The Salvation Army provides parents with the opportunity to pick up new toys that have been donated and collected in the community. Parents make selections based on the age and gender of their children and are able to surprise them on Christmas morning.
• Donate toys to our Walmart registry, link on SAMilwaukee.org
• If you want to sign up to receive toys, call The Salvation Army Distribution Center at (414) 464-2940 or visit SAMilwaukee.org.
• Finally, they are hosting Coats for Kids this year.
• They accept new and slightly used coats, both children and adult sizes. (Estimated $20-$25 each). Donations can be dropped off at any Salvation Army, Steinhafels or Feldco location.
• New winter accessories such as hats, gloves, mittens and scarves are also welcome.
• If you know of someone who will need a coat this winter – our Coat Distribution is taking place Friday Oct. 25 (9:00 – 3:00) and Saturday, Oct. 26 (9:00 – 1:00).
• After this weekend you can go to SAMilwaukee.org to find the location closest to them.
• There will be a coats distribution in January or February – call The Salvation Army Distribution Center at 414-464-2940 to make an appointment.