Cpt. Robert Owen would prefer to have volunteers with the Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas Campaign ringing bells at all the stores before Thanksgiving but he gets the marketing value of waiting.
So, the day after Thanksgiving is Red Friday for the Salvation Army.
"We'll be in ten Krogers by then," Owen said, during a meeting with Rick Landuyt, who has been a vital force in rallying volunteers to cover the Salvation Army's campaign in northern Macomb County.
"They've always been good to us," Owen said of Kroger. "They're the only ones that will allow our bell ringers to move inside when the weather gets really cold."
It's also when the temperatures drop that families who are struggling to keep up with their heating bills, let alone provide Christmas gifts for their children, can count on The Salvation Army.
But in order to do that the nonprofit has set a $7 million fundraising goal for this year's campaign.
"When you donate to the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, you're spreading love and hope to your community's most vulnerable - those who may be facing hunger, homelessness, and financial hardship," said Maj. Charlotte Hall, commander for The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, who will be attending a special lighting ceremony for a giant red kettle set up in Campus Martius Park at 4 p.m. Friday.
What is touted as the tallest red kettle in the world and inspired by the famous kettles that have been used for fundraising since 1891 features more than 26,000 sparkling LED lights will be lit up Friday to inspire everyone to support the campaign.
Inspiration for Landuyt came eight years ago when he became a cancer survivor.
"I always wanted to do something to give back," said Landuyt, 70, who worked as a realtor for 45 years.
He's still dabbling in real estate but is no longer a manager and that has given him the time for volunteering.
"I started out helping Meals on Wheels," said Landuyt, who is also a member and volunteer with the Rotary Club.
Being a part of this organization enabled him to support their fundraising efforts including those that benefit Henry Ford Macomb's Game on for Cancer, which provides help beyond the hospital's walls for patients and their families.
"I cannot write a check to Henry Ford but I can donate my time to efforts that will help them," said Landuyt, and while he remains supportive of these charities at this time of year he's devoted to The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
"It was a lady at Rotary who asked if I could help," Landuyt said, with a grin, because once he showed an interest there was no turning back.
Now he's the one leading Richmond's bell ringing brigade and thanks to the computer skills gleaned from his sons keeps track of volunteers working or need through a schedule on his smartphone.
"He's been awesome," said Owen. "We need another Rick in Romeo."
Or Armada, or just another bell ringer to help the cause.
Individuals and families can sign up as volunteer bell ringers by visiting registertoring.com where they have an option to choose a traditional, two-hour session at a physical red kettle site or participate in a virtual bell ringing shift where they can raise funds in the comfort of their own home.
Virtual bell ringers can sign up and begin raising funds at any time, whereas traditional bell ringing in the area starts Nov. 29 and runs through Christmas Eve, excluding Thanksgiving and Sundays.
Its a great way to pay it forward but can also be exciting.
"It's thrilling to come here and pick up the kettles -- sometimes twice a day -- and then total the donations at the end of the day," Landuyt said. "That's what drives me."
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit will present a special lighting ceremony Friday to bring attention to the 2024 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign at Campus Martius Park.
Look for a crowd gathered around a giant red kettle.
The event starts at 4 p.m. with a Salvation Army Brass Band performance followed by the lighting of the red kettle featuring 26,000 sparkling LED lights. Officials in attendance will include Lt. Colonel Steve Merritt, Jason Carr, Thomas Callan of The Salvation Army Metro Detroit Advisory Board, Pam Callan, Volunteer Ambassador, and the Detroit School of Arts Drumline.
The Salvation Army's 2024 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign is also supported by Bank of America, Buddy's Pizza, Royal Park Hotel and more.
These partnerships and volunteers such as Landuyt will be key in reaching The Salvation Army's $7 million fundraising goal for 2024.
Residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties will find it easier than ever to give at the iconic red kettles with tiptap, a touchless giving solution. Now donors can give a set amount of $5, $10 or $20 with just a tap of their mobile phone, smart watch, or any credit card set up for contactless payments.
A sustaining gift of $25 a month will help hardworking families make ends meet and fend off homelessness. Love your neighbors in need this Christmas by:
* Texting GIFT to 24365
* Donating money via an online kettle, Paypal, Venmo or physical red kettle
* Donating cryptocurrency
* Volunteering as a virtual or in-person bell ringer at registertoring.com
For more information about The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit's 2024 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, visit SAmetrodetroit.org.