Salvation Army kicks off annual Red Kettle Campaign

WAUWATOSA (WITI)  — The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County will kick off its annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign on Friday, November 1st with a free pancake breakfast at the Milwaukee Public Market.The breakfast runs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

To help get donations in the kettles, the Salvation Army is hosting an event Friday morning called "Tweet Then Eat." They are encouraging everyone to tweet live from the event or from anywhere.

Each year The Salvation Army relies on the annual Red Kettle Campaign to support programs throughout the year. In the past year, The Salvation Army has provided shelter, food and other basic needs to over 450,000 people in the Milwaukee community.

Donations can also be made through January 31st on line at www.SAmilwaukee.org.

The time-honored Salvation Army tradition of bell ringing started in 1891 by Captain Joseph McFee.  The Red Kettle has served as a symbol of goodwill for more than 100 years and signifies the beginning of the Christmas season.

84 cents of every dollar donated supports critical Salvation Army programs and services.