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Salvation Army's Red Kettle Days kick off the holiday season

Ring in the holiday season by helping West Michigan communities in need.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids’ iconic Blue Bridge will turn red Friday evening in honor of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Days. 

The event will kick off at 5 p.m. and aims to bring awareness to the Salvation Army’s impact on local residents. 

“We serve about 10,000 residents every year,” Grand Valley Area Commander for the Salvation Army Tim Meyer said. “A number of those come to our food pantry, where they receive a week's worth of food, others will call in for housing assistance.”  

Other programs include an emergency food pantry, housing and utilities assistance, the Pathway of Hope program which helps families break the cycle of generational poverty and substance abuse programs. 

In West Michigan, the Salvation Army also has one of the largest seniors’ programs in the country. 

“It's not just money that is donated in the kettles,” Meyer said. “But people who are funding us through mail-in checks, businesses, corporations, etc., are helping us raise our funds for the entire year.” 

Live music from the Potter House Gospel Choir and refreshments will be provided at the event. 

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