In 1891, Captain Joseph McFee wanted to help the poor people in San Francisco, especially for the coming Christmas season, but he didn't know where to get funding for his project. He remembered, during his earlier days as a sailor in Liverpool, England, seeing a large kettle called "Simpson's Pot" where passengers of boats that docked at Stage Landing tossed coins to help the poor.
The following day captain McFee placed a pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing. Beside the pot was a sign that read "Keep the Pot Boiling". He was able to collect enough donations to have a Christmas dinner for the poor people.
Captain McFee's idea spread and in 1897, a nationwide effort was able to fund 150,000 Christmas dinners for the poor. In 1901 donations from New York city funded a sit-down dinner at Madison Square Garden.
Today, bell ringers and red kettles are seen on many reputable stores and malls across the world. They use bells to attract the attention of passerby's, some volunteers even sing Christmas carols or play musical instruments to raise donations. Some of the newer kettles even have a self-ringing bell and a PA system that plays Christmas carols.
Money collected through the red kettles are used to help the needy, the sick, the aged and other less fortunate individuals, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
They say Christmas is about sharing and giving. Regardless of religion, there are many different organizations, activities and ways to help those in need, the Salvation Army is one of them.
