The Christmas Kettle is The Salvation Army's most
famous street campaign. It is most recognized during the
Christmas season through its volunteers who stand outside of
businesses and play or sing Christmas carols, or ring bells to
inspire passersby to place donations of cash and checks
inside the kettles.
A tradition on the "kettle" started in 1891, in San
Francisco, by Salvation Army officer Captain Joseph McFee.
Captain 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.
