Donate to the Action News Jax virtual red kettle to benefit the Salvation Army

Action News Jax Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh has been involved with the Northeast Florida Salvation Army for many years.

Mike’s dedication to the thrifty nonprofit - the Salvation Army spends an average of 85 cents on every dollar on internal local programs — stems from the Army’s commitment to “a hand up without discrimination — helping individuals and families in need regardless of background, race, or belief.”

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All money that goes into the virtual red kettle stays local and is part of the iconic holiday red kettle and bell ringing program that many are familiar with.

DONATE TO THE ACTION NEWS JAX VIRTUAL RED KETTLE

Salvation Army programs provide a safe place for homeless men, women and families in Jacksonville, but also supports and equips them to return to a life of self-sufficiency. Each day more than 60 people “drop by” for lunch and a hot nutritious meal in the evening.

Basic needs that are supported can include not only food but also utility assistance, rehabilitation, and transportation. The Salvation Army also provides disaster relief, including in the Florida Panhandle where hurricane Isaias hit during the first week of October. Other local programs include senior services, housing, counseling, children’s services, and evangelism.

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Some history of the Red Kettle:

In 1891, a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area’s poor. From his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England, the captain remembered a large pot, displayed on the Stage Landing, called “Simpson’s Pot” where passersby would toss charitable donations.

Other pots followed, drawing the attention and donations of people going to and from the ferryboats. From there the tradition of The Salvation Army kettle spread across the country and eventually around the world.

By Christmas 1895, thirty Salvation Army Corps throughout the West Coast area were using the kettle.

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Two young Salvation Army officers who helped with those kettles were sent to the east coast, where they got the kettle campaign going in Boston. Those kettles paid for 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy.

In 1901, kettle contributions in New York City provided funds for the first giant sit down dinner in Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years.

The ringing of the bell for red kettles is now a holiday tradition that can be heard around the world bringing a sense of love, peace on earth and a helping hand to those less fortunate.

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