Development Director Ryan Ray said the week is less about fundraising and more about raising awareness and helping the community.
“We’ve been here for 133 years and oftentimes we run across people that still don’t know what we do,” he said. “So (during the) week, we plan to help out a little bit and get some businesses involved.”
» TRENDING: These 5 local schools got upgrades thanks to special investments
Many businesses in and around Springfield plan on taking part in the special week in a variety of ways. Bada Bing! Pizzeria has created a special “Red Kettle Pizza,” featuring bacon, sweet red peppers and kettle chips. The special will be exclusively offered all week long with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army.
“We’ve partnered with the Salvation Army in the past, so for us to take part was very natural,” owner Jason Hague said.
Young’s Jersey Dairy will also have a “Red Kettle Sundae” available for purchase during the event. Collier’s Family Restaurant will offer a “Chicken SALfredo” meal special, with a portion of sales going to the organization and Los Mariachi’s will be hosting a “Dine to Donate” event May 17-19 with a portion of their proceeds also going to the charity.
Several businesses, such as Lee’s Chicken and National Security Bank, will be wearing Salvation Army buttons and aprons in support of the week. The Walmart location on South Tuttle Road and Young’s will also have drawings for $100 giftcards for people who donate.
» READ MORE: This airline is offering cheap flights going to Europe and Iceland
Ray said he hopes the recognition week will be able to inform people and make them curious about everything the organization does for people in need.
“For us, it’s important for people to know what we do,” he said. “There are a lot of people who think we’re just kettles and second-hand clothing, but that’s just a few of the means we have to be able to do what we do.”
About the Author