The Salvation Army reopened its facility on Nov. 13, and many staff members said they have been busier than ever. A widely known household name with the mission “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination,” the Manhattan location reopened after being shut down for reconstruction. Through their mission, they have impacted over two million people throughout their time in Manhattan.
During the reopening, the annual Kettle Kickoff was also hosted at the Salvation Army. The kickoff launches their annual Christmas Red Kettle fundraising campaign that happens across the nation in front of local stores. Karla Johnson, outreach coordinator, said she worked with her team to allow for success in the Kettle campaign this past week.
“This year’s kickoff was attended by more people than the past three years,” Johnson said. “Our goal for the campaign is $50,000, and all funds raised in Manhattan stay here.”
These funds allow the Salvation Army to stay afloat as they help pay community members’ emergency expenses, rent and more.
At the Kettle Kickoff, the Flint Hills Youth Choir performed for the community with support from Kansas State interns.
The choir sang three Christmas carols to rehearse for their fall concert at St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center on Nov. 23, engaging the audience and creating a holiday mood.
“The atmosphere at the Salvation Army reminded me of a Christmas movie,” Natalie Denton, sophomore in music education and intern for the youth choir, said. “The setting was intimate and the content was wholesome.”
Denton said the performance gave listeners a renewed sense of hope for the future.
“Having students sing for the community allows them to make a difference using their talent,” she said. “At this event, the audience sang the carols at the end with the choir, and the families affiliated with the Salvation Army and the FHYC enjoyed a meal together following the performance.”
This event does more than just give back; it allows the students and interns to learn more about the cause for which they are singing, Denton said.
“Hearing the speakers at the Salvation Army talk about their mission gave me a better appreciation for their work,” Denton said. “Their dedication and devotion to helping people in need has truly saved lives and made me want to get involved by becoming a volunteer.”
