Collage of Red Kettle Kickoff event earlier this week at the Rose Bowl. Images courtesy Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez
The iconic Salvation Army red donation kettle program that collects public donations for underserved families this holiday season launches today after a special breakfast ceremony kickoff inside the Rose Bowl/UCLA locker room Wednesday that drew over 250 community leaders and residents.
Over 25 red kettle stations are expected to pop up around Pasadena today to spread holiday cheer and gather donations.
“We exist to respond to our community and Pasadena is truly a blessed place,” said Pasadena Salvation Army Captain Terry Masango.
The Red Kettle Kickoff was celebrated Wednesday inside the Rose Bowl UCLA Locker room and was hosted by NBC4’s Fritz Coleman and raised over $62,000.
“All of the funds will remain in Pasadena for the Christmas program and throughout the year,” said Masango.
The Salvation Army began in 1865 when London minister William Booth decided to take his spiritual message into the streets where it would reach the poor, the homeless and the hungry.
Today, the Salvation Army forms partnership with both private and public philanthropy to bring comfort to the needy and its representatives are still committed to the relief of poverty, devastation, and other charitable actions that benefit mankind as a whole, according to the website.
Pasadena has been a direct recipient of the Red Kettle giving campaign. For more 15 years, the Salvation Army has been a sponsor of the Pasadena Police Activities League (PAL), a program that has provided services and mentorship to over 3,000 local youth.
“The people in the community are the ones who really make a difference. The kickoff was a great start to this season of giving and to keep our programs healthy,” said Masango.
Masango asked the public to help.
“We want to encourage people to donate money to the red kettles. All of the funds collected in Pasadena stay here to impact the lives of children and families here in Pasadena. We couldn’t do it without community support,” said Masango.
For more information, visit pasadena.salvationarmy.org/
