07 November 2016

Bell ringers for The Salvation Army will begin ringing the iconic Christmas bells this Friday in an effort to meet a $1.6 million Christmas campaign goal. This year’s goal has been established to meet the overall needs of the organization’s clients.

The Red Kettle Campaign officially kicks off on Friday, November 11, at 12:00 noon with the first ring of the Christmas bell at the Knapp’s Crossing D&W Fresh Market located at 2000 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids. Major Norman Grainger, The Salvation Army Kent County Coordinator, Jamie Allen, SpartanNash Community Engagement Specialist and The Salvation Army Grand Rapids Advisory Board Chair Greg Conway will simultaneously ring the first bells of the season to kick off the 2016 Red Kettle Campaign.   

“The Salvation Army is grateful for our long-standing relationship with SpartanNash. Last Christmas alone, kettle donations at SpartanNash locations in Kent County topped $161,000,” said Major Norman Grainger, Kent County Coordinator. “Quite literally, we could not provide the variety of programs and services in Kent County without the generosity of SpartanNash and their customers,” Major Grainger added. 

SpartanNash hosts bell ringers year after year in order to raise funds for families in need of assistance during the holiday season and throughout the year. For over 20 consecutive years, bell ringers are welcomed into the warmth of all Family Fare, D&W, Forest Hills Foods, ValuLand and VG’s locations to make it more comfortable for the bell ringers and easier for customers to make their donations. 

“SpartanNash is proud to be a longtime participant in The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign,” said Jamie Allen, SpartanNash Community Engagement Specialist. “The bell ringers provide a reminder of the true power of sharing and caring during the holiday season. With more than 80 retail grocery stores in Michigan, SpartanNash and our corporate stores love partnering with The Salvation Army to raise the necessary funds to help those who are less fortunate in our communities, especially when the needs remain great.” 

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