DETROIT -- Red Wings players and executive staff members engaged in a friendly competition to assist the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign, serving as bell ringers at retail locations throughout the metro Detroit area on Tuesday, December 16. The Wings raised more than $3,500 over a two-hour period, which is 18 times the daily amount for an average kettle. Executive Vice President & General Manager Ken Holland and coach Mike Babcock captured bragging rights for the second straight year, as their kettle topped out at just over $1,100. Wings players Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Niklas Kronwall, Brett Lebda and Kirk Maltby also took part in the competition.

“We are overjoyed with the results of our partnership with The Detroit Red Wings this year,” said Major Norman Marshall, divisional commander for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. “The average kettle raises about $300 a day – and in only a few hours, they raised nearly 18 times that amount. It’s wonderful to see the Red Wings do the most good to help those in need.”

WINGS CORNER

Wings volunteer as Salvation Army Bell Ringers  Mike Babcock Darren McCarty Red Wings' PSA Wings in the Salvation Army's Bed & Bread Truck

For the third consecutive year, the Red Wings and the Salvation Army are joining forces in the Red Wings for Red Kettles initiative to increase awareness throughout the community and encourage donations to sustain vital services to the less fortunate in the area. Also for the third year, Holland is serving as honorary chair of the campaign of the 2008 Red Kettle Campaign.

“The bell ringing competition is always a fun activity for our team,” said Holland. “We’re thrilled with the generosity of our fans in helping us support The Salvation Army during this crucial time in our area.”

The Red Wings will host red kettles at home games on December 18 (vs. San Jose) and 20 (vs. Los Angeles). Fans attending Red Wings' games on those nights will have the opportunity to assist the Salvation Army in meeting its metro Detroit goal of $8.5 million to sustain its annual services.

Fans unable to attend this week’s games can support the Wings and the Salvation Army by donating to the Red Wings online kettle by clicking here. The National Hockey League is a partner in this initiative, as all 30 teams have online kettles for fans to make donations. In addition, Babcock and forward Darren McCarty have their own kettles, allowing Wings fans three opportunities to show their support online. Fans can visit www.DetroitRedWings.com to be linked to the Salvation Army’s secure Web site to make a donation.