Santa and his friends will be collecting donations to benefit The Salvation Army of Michigan City on Saturday, December 21 at the intersection of Highway 421 and Highway 20 in Michigan City between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Now in its fifth year, this “Red Kettle Take Over” is coordinated by the Phi Delta Kappa fraternity, led by Phi Delt members Chuck Krause and Tony Pecina. During the event, volunteers will dress in Christmas-themed costumes including Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, snowmen, elves, reindeer, and others. These friends of Santa will collection cash and check donations for The Salvation Army in a final attempt to support the non-profit in the last days before Christmas.

The group enlists the help of local first responders including the Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police Department, La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, and Trail Creek Police Department. These first responders use lights and sirens to escort the group to the intersection – the busiest intersection in La Porte County – and also help collect donations throughout the event.

Mark Kazmucha, current president of Phi Delta Kappa, said the event started as a small group of volunteers standing at intersections in Michigan City as a way to support The Salvation Army. “We got a positive response from our members and a lot of good participation, and each year it seems to get bigger and bigger,” he said. “We’re always looking for things we can do for the community, and this is something fun that our guys enjoy participating in. It’s a win-win because it's something good we can do, but also the city and The Salvation Army can benefit.”

The Salvation Army of Michigan City set a goal to raise $235,000 in this year’s Christmas Campaign. Majors Dale and Becky Simmons, who oversee The Salvation Army of Michigan City, said this event is a tremendous help towards meeting that goal, adding that this “red kettle take over” raised about $6,000 for The Salvation Army last year.

“We always appreciate when organizations in the community create their own ways to support what we do at The Salvation Army,” Major Dale Simmons said. “This is a lot of fun because they have Christmas music and Christmas characters, and the people driving by always smile and wave when they see Santa. This has really become a tradition in our Christmas Campaign every year in Michigan City and we look forward to it every year.”

Those looking to support The Salvation Army of Michigan City’s 2024 Christmas Campaign can volunteer to ring a bell at www.RegisterToRing.com or make an online donation at www.samichigancity.org.