The Salvation Army Cascade Division hosts annual Red Kettle Kick-off at Lloyd Center Mall, Christmas goal $450,000

PORTLAND, OR (Nov. 14, 2022) – The Salvation Army Cascade Division kicks off its annual Red Kettle Campaign on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m.-noon at Lloyd Center Mall, 2201 Lloyd Center in NE Portland.  A huge Salvation Army Red Kettle will be the center of attention positioned in front of the former Marshalls retail store, located at NE 14^th Ave. and NE Halsey St.  The Salvation Army has a Portland metropolitan area goal of raising $450,000 this Christmas season to help local families in need.

Major Bob Lloyd, Portland Metro Coordinator at The Salvation Army Cascade Division, said the Christmas season is the biggest fundraising opportunity of the year and the money goes to the metro area Corps’ programs, including Portland Moore Street Corps & Community Center, Gresham Corps & Community Center, Portland Tabernacle Corps, Veterans and Family Center, and Tualatin Valley Services Center.

“We see so many people, especially this time of year, struggling to make ends meet to provide for their families,” Major Lloyd noted.  “With the rising cost of living, many families and individuals are counting on the support we provide – and we can only offer this assistance through the generous support of our community partners and neighbors.  Every coin counts and can transform lives.”

The Red Kettle tradition started 129 years ago and it continues today as an easy way for people to help others in need.  The Red Kettle Campaign officially starts on Nov. 19 and it will run through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.  Look for Red Kettles at local retail sites such as Fred Meyer and Walmart.

Also, on Nov. 19 Mrs. Claus will be hosting the Lloyd Center’s annual Tree Lighting celebration beginning at 1 PM.  Families can get their photo taken with Santa from 2-4 p.m. in his holiday workshop with a donation to the Red Kettle or an unwrapped toy donation.

The Salvation Army Cascade Division’s headquarters is located in Happy Valley.  For more information, please call (503) 794-3286 or visit www.portland.salvationarmy.org.

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About The Salvation Army 

The Salvation Army annually helps 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood