The new campaign is the Red Kettle Pedal, a five-mile bike race scheduled for Sept. 23.
Every year, the Salvation Army helps over two thousand children during the holidays, said Ray.
“Our Christmas campaign is an expression of love. Really simply put, it’s wrapping our arms around the kids here in the community and saying, hey, we love you. And the bikes are no exception,” said Ray.
Last year’s campaign aimed to donate 140 bikes but only delivered 60, the Springfield News-Sun and WHIO-TV reported in August.
“One of the beauties of being able to share this on social media or via Channel 7 or in the newspaper is that people are reading, and people are watching. And TCC here saw the article and saw the story and they wanted to be a part of it. They donated over 100 brand new bike helmets for kids to have this Christmas to go along with the bikes they received,” said Ray. “When we heard the TCC was going to do this it saved us a lot of money. These are nice helmets. You can do the math yourself.”
The Red Kettle Pedal bike race is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Springfield High School. It goes to the Heritage Center and then circles back to the starting point at the high school. Each way is 2½ miles.
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This year, Ray believes the new campaign, combined with partnership marketing and increased awareness, will help improve results and will encourage families and individuals to sign up.
Ideally, Ray hopes that each race participant can secure at least one sponsor at $75 dollars, which is the cost of a new bicycle for a child.
Le Torte Dulce, the new French Bakery in downtown Springfield, has also announced it will be taking part in the Red Kettle Pedal Campaign. Serving gourmet baked goods and pastries, Ray said they were blessed to be locking arms with them, as the bakery will serve each participant a custom Christmas Tree- shaped Whoopie Pie as a thank you for helping the community.
“Whenever the community pulls together or pulls their resources together it shows the beauty of Springfield.” said Ray.
To sign up, get more information, or follow current statistics on the campaign, go to National Trails Red Kettle Pedal Ride.
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