By Bobbie Lehrmann, Assistant Director of Public Communications
On Saturday, College Station Mayor John Nichols and Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez will compete in the annual Mayor Ring-Off to raise money for The Salvation Army of Brazos County. From noon-5 p.m., Mayor Nichols and fellow City Council members will be at the College Station Walmart, and Mayor Gutierrez will be stationed at the Bryan Walmart on Briarcrest Drive.
If you can’t make it out on Saturday, you can contribute online.
Whether it’s spare change or a few extra dollars, your donation can make a meaningful difference in the lives of area individuals and families. Every penny supports the Salvation Army’s essential programs and services, including food, shelter, and assistance for those facing hardships during the holiday season and beyond.
If your plans include a trip to Walmart, please stop and say hello to Mayor Nichols and other City Council members and drop a donation into the kettle. You can help College Station win the title as our cities come together for a cherished tradition that highlights the spirit of giving and showcases our community’s generosity.
If you can’t make it in person, we encourage you to click the Virtual Red Kettle and donate through midnight on Saturday:
Remember, the Mayor Ring-Off isn’t just a friendly competition; it’s a true reflection of the spirit of Christmas. Together, we can help the Salvation Army of Brazos County make the season brighter for our neighbors in need.
History of the Red Kettle
In the United States, the red kettles at Thanksgiving and Christmas have evolved since their humble beginnings in San Francisco, but their impact remains profound. They enable The Salvation Army to do the most good for nearly 30 million people annually.
The tradition of the red kettle began with Joseph McFee, The Salvation Army’s captain in San Francisco, in December of 1891. He was determined to provide a free Christmas dinner for the area’s poor, but he needed to find a way to fund it. As he contemplated this challenge, his thoughts drifted back to his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England. He remembered seeing a large pot into which passersby threw charitable donations.
He obtained permission to place a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing the following day. That marked the beginning of a tradition that has since spread throughout the United States and worldwide.
By Christmas 1895, the kettle was used in 30 Salvation Army locations across the West Coast. The tradition continued to grow, and kettle contributions in various places provided Christmas dinners for those in need. Today, these red kettles are not only a symbol of the holiday season but also a lifeline for millions of people.
Red kettle donations help support shelters, after-school programs, addiction recovery programs, summer camps, disaster assistance, and other social services. The kettles are found worldwide, spreading the spirit of Christmas to those who might otherwise be forgotten – from the elderly and lonely to those in jails and other institutions and the less fortunate in our communities.
About the Blogger
Bobbie Lehrmann is in her second year as assistant director of public communications. She previously served as marketing and communications director at the City of Navasota. Lehrmann lived most of her life in Australia and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media communications from Queensland University of Technology.
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