History
A tradition on the "kettle" started in 1891, in San Francisco, by Captain Joseph McFee. Salvation Army officer Captain Joseph McFee, resolving to provide a free Christmas dinner to the poor of San Francisco, remembered a sight he saw in Liverpool, England. From his days as a sailor McFee remembered a large pot displayed on the Stage Landing, called "Simpson's Pot." The pot took in donations put in by passersby. Taking this idea, McFee asked for permission from San Francisco city authorities to place a crab pot and tripod at the Oakland ferry landing. The kettle - and McFee's call of "Keep the Pot Boiling!" - drew in passengers and donations.
The idea spread, and is in use by many Salvation Army charities worldwide. Innovations from the crab pot have included self ringing kettles, booths that play Christmas music, and Credit Card capabilities.
The Christmas kettle campaign is traditionally kicked off each year during the halftime of the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day football game.
Read more about this topic: Christmas Kettle
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