By Lucky Kidd
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army kicked off their Reno County Red Kettle Campaign last night during Downtown Hutchinson’s Third Thursday. A $355,000 goal for their annual fundraising was announced by Hutchinson Police Chief Brice Burlie, who is this year’s honorary Christmas chair.
Of that goal, $80,000 is derived from the Red Kettles, which have been associated with the Salvation Army going back to its early years. Major Paul James said the remaining funding for the year is derived mostly from direct mail fundraising.
During his comments prior to the ceremonial lighting of a large kettle in Grasshopper Park, Major James said the needs for assistance this year are greater than ever. “970 children are already signed up for toys,” he told those in attendance, with two weeks remaining in the signup period.
In 2023 they provided gifts for over one thousand children, and assisted a total of 1,895 individuals, including those they worked with other agencies on.
Chief Burlie said in his remarks law enforcement also benefits from the work of the Salvation Army which has assisted them in a number of situations over the years.
“When I was offered this opportunity, I jumped right at it because I thought what better opportunity is there for the Hutchinson Police Department to Join with one of our local groups that is giving as much to the community as they Salvation Army does,” Burlie said.
The large red kettle light display was turned on at the conclusion of the program. The kettle was erected for the Salvation Army by Wray and Sons Roofing.
Another part of the evening involved a long-running competition involving three downtown Hutchinson businesses to see which one can raise the most funds through a Kettle in their store.
This was started by Mark Buckley, co-owner of Toy Depot, and Kevin Rule from The Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery, with Chris Barnes from Smith’s Market now a part of it. Buckley’s kettle had the most donations in it last year.
One new aspect the Salvation Army is offering this year is a “Tap to Give” option. Through this, you can by tapping your credit card at a number of locations in Hutchinson you can make a gift of five, ten or twenty dollars. Two Tap to Give boxes will each be placed at Walmart and Dillons Marketplace at 30th and Waldron, with other boxes to be set up at the 5th and Adams Dillons and at Hobby Lobby.
