Salvation Army kettle campaign starts Nov. 2
By DAVE GOSSETT, Staff writerArticle Photos
STEUBENVILLE - Maj. Earline May of the local Salvation Army is hoping the sound of ringing bells will be accompanied by the clink of monetary donations in the organization's kettles this year.
The annual kettle campaign is set to kick off Nov. 2 at the Kroger stores at the Hollywood shopping plaza and in Wintersville and the Steubenville Kmart and Wal-Mart stores and Big Lots stores.
"We have set a goal of $30,000 to meet the needs of the Christmas season and to carry us into the first two or three months of the new year," announced May.
"I know our local economy has worsened this year and we are seeing a 60 percent increase of those in need. But I also know we are still confident we will see donations contributed through our kettle campaign," said May.
"Last year we anticipated a decrease, but actually collected approximately $15,000 over our goal in 2008. We hope we see the same results this year," noted May.
"If we do experience a decline in the donations we may be forced to cut services to the community, and that is not what we want to do," added May.
"People are telling us they are being forced to make choices between putting food on the table or buying Christmas presents for their children. They are also making choices between buying food and paying their rent or utility bills. There is real need in our community and the kettle campaign is a major fundraiser that allows us to meet those needs," declared May.
"This kettle campaign will set the pace for what we can do this Christmas season. And I am appealing to those who see our Christmas kettles to donate generously to our campaign," May said.
"We are also looking for volunteers to ring the bells at the kettles. The volunteers can be organized in groups or it can be an individual volunteer who just wants to help. Our Christmas kettles will be at the local stores Monday through Friday and we can always use help in standing by our kettles," explained May.
May said the Salvation Army also will start taking applications for the Christmas assistance program from Nov. 2-11.
"Applicants are asked to provide proof of household income, Social Security numbers for everyone in their household, expenses, their child's name, gender, age and two items the child would like to receive at Christmas. Those items cannot exceed $25," according to May.
"Anyone wishing to volunteer for our kettle campaign or wanting to make an appointment for our Christmas assistance program should call the Salvation Army at (740) 282-5121," May said.
(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com.)
