Salvation Army’s 2007 Kettle Campaign in Massachusetts to feature special green kettles
Citizens Bank Foundation matching donations at green kettlesBOSTON (November 9, 2007) - Citizens Bank today announced it will partner with the Massachusetts Salvation Army on its 2007 Kettle Campaign due to the overwhelming success of last year’s first-of-its kind partnership. The organizations developed the Green Kettle Campaign to help meet the growing demand for emergency services and programs the Salvation Army provides its clients 365 days a year, but especially during the holidays.
The Citizens Bank Foundation will once again match donations up to $250,000 collected at 50 specially-marked green kettles located in cities and towns across Massachusetts. The Salvation Army’s 110th Kettle Campaign Kickoff takes place at noon on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 in Boston’s Downtown Crossing.
Last year’s partnership generated more than $442,000 in contributions collected at the specially-marked green kettles helping The Salvation Army exceed its 2006 goal of raising more than $3.25 million. This year, The Salvation Army hopes to raise $3.5 million.
“Last year was the first time in the history of The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign that we displayed kettles in communities throughout the state in a color other than our traditional red,” said Major William Bode of the Massachusetts Salvation Army. “We are grateful to our friends at Citizens Bank whose support helped increase donations and awareness of our 2006 campaign and look forward to this year’s partnership. The need to assist our neighbors is even greater this year and we urge the generous people of Massachusetts to make a donation when they see a red or green kettle.”
The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign is the organization’s signature fundraising initiative. Money raised helps fund seasonal and year-round programs including after-school activities, emergency and utility assistance and food programs. Last year’s funds provided 250,000 food vouchers, articles of clothing and new toys for disadvantaged individuals, families and children in Massachusetts.
“We are thrilled the Citizens Bank green and Salvation Army red are joining together again for this year’s Kettle Campaign,” said Robert E. Smyth, President, Citizens Bank, Massachusetts. “The Salvation Army provides much-needed assistance to families, seniors and homeless people every day of the year and we are delighted that this partnership will help fund the organization’s many programs and services that assist the good citizens of Massachusetts.”
To help the Salvation Army meet its target goal of raising $3.5 million, Citizens is featuring information about the matching program on a billboard at Route 128 in Braintree, Mass. and on signage at kettle locations across the commonwealth.
The 50 green kettles will be located throughout the state beginning November 23 and will be available for the duration of the campaign, which concludes on December 24. Many of The Salvation Army’s red kettles across the commonwealth are available beginning today.
About the Citizens Bank Foundation
Citizens Bank Foundation is a subsidiary of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, which is a charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. The foundation’s support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs.
About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. The Massachusetts Salvation Army Web site is www.salvationarmy-ma.org.
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