Red Kettle
The Red Kettle CampaignBY SOPHIE LEWIS DECEMBER 18, 2014
This year Anchor Club, DREAM Team and the Student Government Association (SGA) participate in their annual charity events as a way to raise money for those who are less fortunate. All three clubs participate in the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
This year is bigger than ever because the Salvation Army is making a national effort to expand the Red Kettle Campaign. The national goal this year is $4 million. As of now, the total is 22% of that goal. Rose helps every year with this campaign. On Dec. 13 Rose took every time slot at every location in Greenville and rang bells. Rose clubs also took various spots throughout the season. “[In the past] bell ringing has gone really well,” Anchor Club officer junior Taylor Lewis said. “Hopefully we can get people more involved this year.” Anchor Club was excited knowing that the Red Kettle Campaign was bigger and better. “We want it to be that much bigger for our school as well,” Lewis said. “I think it will definitely make a difference and help our school be more proactive in the community.” DREAM team was also excited to get bell ringing up and running. “We [went] to places like Wal-Mart and [rang] bells to help them raise money for a good cause,” DREAM Team officer junior Jillian Ebron said. Ebron focused more on what the people participating gained from it. “You [pick] your groups and go out with your friends, and you’re doing good things for your community,” Ebron said. Ebron was unaware of the large national effort for the Red Kettle Campaign. “Me and my family always donate and it’s just change and stuff, but that small amount adds up to a big difference in people’s lives,” Ebron said. DREAM Team participated in this event as well. “I expect for DREAM Team to go out and help others during Christmas break and have fun,” Ebron said. The SA website encourages people to donate and explains what even the smallest of donations can do. “Your kettle will help change lives,” Salvation Army said. “Once you've created your kettle, spread the word. The more people you invite, the more donations you'll get. Which means you'll be helping more people in desperate need.” Apart from the Red Kettle Campaign, Anchor Club is also participating in several other charity organizations, one of which is Operation Christmas Child. SGA also participates in this event. For Operation Christmas Child, students receive a box from the club to fill with small gifts. Depending on what they choose, the student can fill a box for a boy or a girl in ages ranging from two to 14. After being filled with small gifts, the box is sent off to a child in need. Rose sent about 100 boxes to help with this effort. Anchor Club has already finished their project but it is not too late to go online to their website and participate in making a child’s Christmas. Rose students also contribute to another charity, Toys for Tots. This organization takes requests for a gift from the parents of a child in need. All across the country people donate gifts to go to these kids. If any student still wishes to make a small contribution to any of these efforts it is still possible online at any of their websites. Service organizations would like to ask everyone in the Rose family to consider contributing. |
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