Recently, Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral lent her support to the Salvation Army of Massachusetts in an effort to help bolster their annual holiday fundraising drive for citizens in need.

With bell in hand, Sheriff Cabral stood in the center of Boston’s Downtown Crossing along with other members of the Department and representatives of the Salvation Army, handing out free candy canes and accepting donations for the cause.

“Any time that we can come out to support an organization like the Salvation Army – one that has long been synonymous with giving and helping others – it’s both a privilege and a pleasure,” said Sheriff Cabral.

Offering his heartfelt thanks to Sheriff Cabral, Major William Bode, State Commander for the Salvation Army in Massachusetts, described the kind of impact that Sheriff Cabral – along with her fellow “celebrity bell-ringers” – has on the campaign.

“Coming out as Sheriff Cabral has to support our efforts to raise money to provide for those in need has such a positive impact on our campaign,” said Major Bode. “We are grateful for her support and the support from others in our efforts.”

According to Thomas Langdon, Director of Community Relations and Development for the Salvation Army, the Red Kettle campaign – which began back in 1891 in San Francisco – raises approximately $100 million and provides food, clothing, shelter, and toys for over six million people during the holiday season. Counted on a global scale, millions more are affected by the services that the Army offers.

“The Salvation Army provides critical social services to more than thirty million people across the world,” said Major Bode. “We offer services for everything from disaster relief, substance abuse rehabilitation, [programs] for the aging, vocational training, holiday assistance, and so many more services. A lot of people may not know this, but we are also one of the state’s largest providers of shelter for various people in need. That’s why our fundraising drive is so important, it helps so many people.”

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