The Salvation Army. If your mind just envisioned the trilled sound of a bell and a red kettle then welcome to the right place. Many holiday shoppers encounter Salvation Army volunteers outside businesses or the mall. The 130-year tradition began in San Francisco when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee used kettle collections successfully to fund a dream to provide a free Christmas dinner for persons struggling with food insecurity and shelter issues. A client shops in The Salvation Army food pantry. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)A music ministry connects Salvation Army to many local youth. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Spiritual guidance remains a key component of The Salvation Army mission. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Captains Alan and Isabella Porchetti head The Salvation Army Citadel in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Show Caption1 of 4A client shops in The Salvation Army food pantry. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Expand So, we know the kettle but not many have an understanding about the actual Salvation Army organization. Locally, Captains Alan and Isabella Porchetti, a married couple from Argentina and Venezuela, operate the Salvation Army located at 535 East State St. Both espouse a Salvation Army message based on the Bible; a ministry motivated by the love of God; and a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, particularly to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. “Our mission is to help anyone who shows up at our door. We are not about turning anyone away. In many cases, it takes a lot for some to ask for help. It’s all about grace,” Alan Porchetti explained. “Many arrive in need of food but that generates conversations about other issues. We help with utility assistance, rent assistance, addiction issues, plus, offer counseling and pastoral care. Sometimes people may need just a hug.” The Salvation Army offers church services on Sundays at 11 a.m. with either of the Porchettis delivering sermons that connect biblical teachings to life experiences. The Porchettis established a Music & Creative Arts program for children throughout Trenton as students ages 7-16 receive instruction for guitar, brass instruments, piano, and dance. Many perform at Salvation Army events. Alan Porchetti owns a 20-year music history and studied music as a young person at The Salvation Army. “So, not only are Isabella and I captains here, we serve as pastors, teachers and even do some of the electrical work,” Porchetti joked. Essentially, The Salvation Army works year-round and while many recognize its bell ringing and red kettle, the organization supports many causes. Nationally, The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans deal with poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services, including emergency relief for disaster survivors. More than 7,600 Salvation Army centers are in operation around the country. The Salvation Army owns a 100-year history of rendering service to Trenton, Mercer County and other area residents. On Friday, November 22, The Salvation Army hosts its annual Christmas Gala at Trenton Country Club. Your support through donations or sponsorships can support aforementioned outreaches directed by the Porchettis for The Salvation Army. Here’s a list of support opportunities: Platinum ($2,500) 10 complimentary tickets, priority seating, logo on event website, logo on all print materials, logo on event backdrop. Gold ($1,000) 5 complimentary tickets, priority seating, logo on event website, logo on all print materials, logo on event backdrop. Silver ($500) 2 complimentary tickets, priority seating, logo on event website, logo on program. Bronze ($250) 1 complimentary ticket, priority seating, logo on all print materials. To confirm your sponsorship or for more information contact Captain Isabella Porchetti at [email protected]. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].