During the Christmas season, it’s coffee beans rather than chestnuts that roast on an open fire when the Madison, Ind., corps officers bring back their annual “Red Kettle Roast,” sales of which benefit the corps’ Jefferson County community. The aromatic and tasty blend developed by Lt. Vinal and Captain Brenna Lee with coffee barista Chip George has become an increasingly popular tradition with local and internet fans of the delicious brew.
“Coffee, Christmas and neighbors helping neighbors. It’s a perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!” said Captain Brenna.
The Lees are passionate about coffee. The art of selecting, blending and roasting coffee beans has been one of Lt. Vinal’s favorite—and most serious—hobbies for years! Due to their shared love of coffee, the Lees became good friends with the owners of The Attic Coffee Mill Café in Madison, who came up with the idea as a fun and festive way for their business to support the corps’ annual red kettle campaign. Brochures are distributed throughout town to promote sales of Red Kettle Roast.
The smooth, perfectly roasted blend has become a seasonal favorite in the Jefferson County community for a third year. In addition to sales of the brewed beverage, the coffee beans are available for online or local purchase in prepackaged bags or sold loose in the café store.
“We’re grateful for neighbors who think creatively and use their gifts to support The Salvation Army,” Lt. Vinal concluded.
Red Kettle Roast can be ordered online at atticmadison.com
