Did you know that volunteering to ring bells at a Salvation Army Red Kettle for just two hours helps to feed a family of four for a week?
Volunteer Spotlight: Monica Poccia
How did you get involved with The Salvation Army?
My relationship with The Salvation Army began about 10 years ago, when a cousin approached my husband and I to consider becoming Advisory Board members
All I knew about The Salvation Army was their thrift store on Columbia Street in downtown Utica. Attending an Advisory Board meeting, and given a tour of the Utica facilities, with an explanation of the programs offered to our community was an eye opener.
The journey since, as a Board Member and volunteer, has me working with individuals, adults and children, who have so much optimism and belief in themselves. It is contagious and uplifting It can put a positive spin on almost anything.
Can you share your most memorable interaction while volunteering for The Salvation Army?
The past few years, since semi-retiring, I have been able to ring at a Red Kettle most weekends during the season. Last year, I rang at the same location for the whole season. It was about the 4th weekend, a few of the store patrons took the time to stop and thank me for ringing
They had noticed I had been there each weekend They said “it showed The Salvation Army was a worthwhile organization to have dedicated volunteers ” I did not see myself, until then, as the representative I truly am when I volunteer for any activity for The Salvation Army It is a very humbling experience
What would you like the community to know about The Salvation Army?
The community needs to know The Salvation Army is a tireless organization which gives endlessly of itself to the communities it is involved in The thrift store is just a very small piece of the organization which provides essential services and spiritual guidance to those in need.
They need to know there is a place they can go to connect with others, for their family, as well as themselves, where they will not be judged but accepted as themselves and treated with dignity and respect.
Tsavolunteer to 313333 or Scan Here
To Ring at a Kettle
The Salvation Army of Utica Red Kettle Edition
Officers Message
We are excited to kick off our second Red Kettle season here in the Utica area! We continue to see a great need in our community as men, women, and children look to TheSalvationArmyforassistanceintheirtimeofneed.
The Salvation Army’s longstanding and honored Red Kettle fundraising campaign enables us to provide a wide variety of much-needed services to nearly 9,000 neighbors in our area That’s why this year’s Red Kettle Campaignismoreimportantthanever!
It is only through your generosity that we can respond to those in need 365 days a year through our programs. All funds raised stay local to make a difference right here in our community. FromringingthebellatoneofourRedKettlelocations,makingadonationata kettleoronline,adoptingafamilyforChristmas,orhosinganAngelTree,there are many ways to make a difference. Please let us know how you can help todaybycontactingusat(315)724-8736orkellyross@usesalvationarmyorg
Thank you for your support this holiday season!
Captains Jon & Kelly Ross
Mayor Michael Galime Ways to Help This Christmas
Host an Angel Tree at your at your business
Purchase a toy from our Online Gift Registry for a local child in need- scan this QR code.
Host a Counter Top Red Kettle at your business
Host a Food Drive to help fill our holiday food baskets
If you can help, Please contact Captain Kelly Ross (315) 724-8736 or kelly.ross@use.salvationarmy.org
Love Beyond Christmas in Utica!
This summer, our Ice Cream Cart handed out more than 1,200 sweet treats along with information about the ministry of The Salvation Army to many children and adults in our community.
2,378 FOOD BOXES PROVIDED 28,177 MEALS PROVIDED Doing the Most Good 8,667 PEOPLE SERVED IN FOOD PROGRAMS
Throughout the year, the sounds of various musical instruments can be heard through our halls as more than 1,800 children have come to The Salvation Army to learn and practice their respective instruments.
During the past year 1,750 children have attended our Open Gym Program. After activities like basketball, participants enjoy a hot meal for dinner and some ministry and fellowship.
More than 450 children took part in our three-month long painting classes - creating flowerpots, colorful figures, and other items - all culminating in our annual Art Show where the children get to display and share their work with others.
