BCHS
RKC
ABOUT
RKC SERVING
OUR COMMUNITY
THROUGH THE
SALVATION ARMY
ABOUT RED KETTLE CLUB
Started in 2014, the Brookfield Central division of Red Kettle Club serves Milwaukee and its surrounding communities. Red Kettle Club's mission is to provide middle and high school students an opportunity to serve the less fortunate of their communities through programs of the Salvation Army. With over 120 active members, the BCHS Red Kettle Club collectively completes approximately 600 hours of service each year. This includes ringing bells, creating Christmas cards and snack bags for the Emergency Lodge, and caroling at the Marcus Majestic Theater, just to name a few.
During the spring months, Red Kettle Club organizes its annual Pay It Forward Challenge. During this challenge, members of the club raise awareness for various Salvation Army organizations through fundraising. In past years, Red Kettle Club has raised over $2000 for both the Emergency Lodge and Feed the Kids, two Salvation Army organizations.
The Salvation Army is a worldwide religious and charitable organization. The Salvation Army was originally founded by William Booth in London's East End back in 1865 with only 10 full-time employees. Originally known as the "Christian Mission", Booth wanted to offer help and a way to connect with God to the poor. However, it was not until 1879 that the Salvation Army began its campaign in the United States in Philadelphia. Since then it has grown to include over 3.5 million volunteers and 62,000 employees worldwide.
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The Milwaukee branch of the Salvation Army was founded in 1889. Its first Command Post was created by Captain Samuel Neil along with his wife and four other workers in small Milwaukee storefront. In 1979, the Milwaukee Salvation Army established its Emergency Lodge. The Emergency Lodge is a homeless shelter with over 120 beds that serves nutritious meals to underprivileged adults and children.
In addition to the Emergency Lodge, the Salvation Army supports many other charitable organizations. These include community assistance programs such as Back to School, Coats for Kids, Feed the Kids, Food Pantry, and Toy Shop.