Need Greater Than Ever As The Salvation Army Kicks Off Its Red Kettle Campaign

Nov. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- The Salvation Army of Wake County kicked off its traditional Red Kettle Campaign on November 21, on the steps of the Wake County Courthouse on Fayetteville Street. “Mrs. Wuf”, mascot from N.C. State, was the first official bell ringer of the season in honor of the 125th Anniversary of both the University and The Salvation Army in Wake County.

National Pawn announced its campaign to encourage donations this year by providing 100% of the market value of any gold donations in the kettles, as well as matching the value of these donations, in light of several gold rings being donated in the 2011 season. Also attending was Wake County Sherriff Donnie Harrison, Interim Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown, and members of the Raleigh City Council.

The kickoff marked the beginning of the traditional Red Kettle Campaign, as volunteers and representatives begin “ringing the bell” for holiday donations to The Salvation Army at stores all across the Triangle area. The need for Christmas donations is greater than ever this year, as the Salvation Army registered over 8,500 children for its Angel Tree program, which is an increase of over 700 children from the previous year. The Salvation Army hopes to see an increase in kettle donations to meet this increase in need. To help make this happen, National Pawn is teaming up with the Salvation Army to offer a way to maximize holiday donations. National Pawn will pay 100% of the current, full gold-spot-market-price on all gold donations made through December 24. In addition, National Pawn will match the value of the donations, providing a 200% return on the gold to the Salvation Army. Donations can be made at any of the eight National Pawn stores in the Triangle (please visit www.pawndeals.com for a list of stores and locations) or can be dropped into any of the Salvation Army kettles. Bob Moulton, CEO and Company President, stated, "Every year there are reports of donations of gold rings and coins in the Salvation Army buckets. Since National Pawn has been a leading gold buyer since 1987 we thought that we could help the Salvation Army by converting their donations to cash. To encourage additional donations, National Pawn decided to match dollar for dollar all gold donations.” Moulton continued, “As a responsible business, and as citizens of our community, we are very proud to be teaming up with the Salvation Army to help our neighbors." The Salvation Army is grateful for this partnership and hopes that the additional funds will help put kettle donations over the $300,000 mark in Wake County this year.

Thousands of volunteers will help “Keep the Bell Ringing” this holiday, staffing almost 50 kettle locations across the Triangle. For more information, visit www.KeepTheBellRinging.org.