NEW PHILADELPHIA (Tusco TV) - The red kettles are back at retailers throughout Tuscarawas County with volunteers braving the elements to collect donations for the local Salvation Army.

New Philadelphia Post commander Lt. Andrew Allen says their 2019 Red Kettle Campaign kicked off Thursday with the ambitious goal of raising $125,000 over the holiday shopping season. He says it’s their largest and most important fundraiser with 100 percent of the money raised going to support programs and services for the community. 

“Our soup kitchen that we have Monday through Friday. That’s open to the entire community, all of our youth programs. Last year, we started our after-school programs and our summer day-camp program and that program is growing, and those programs wouldn’t be available if it wasn’t for the funding that is provided through our Red Kettle Campaign,” he says.

Allen says every cent adds up when it comes to donations, and they could also use some extra hands to man the various kettle sites.

“It takes a lot of people so we’re always looking for volunteers, churches. We have quite a few churches helping us out this year, civic groups, individuals, families. The kettle campaign is a community campaign because the funds that we raise go to help the community,” he says.

The kettle collection runs from 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday, with volunteer shifts typically lasting around two hours. Allen says people can call 330-364-3811 to sign up or stop by their headquarters at 809 Emmet Ave. NW. 

TUSCO TV