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Volunteers needed for Red Kettles
(by David Jimenez - November 19, 2008)
The Salvation Army bell ringers are as iconic as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. As retailers hope for a decent season, the same can be said for the all volunteer bell ringing staff charged with manning store entrances to not only herald in the holiday season but to ask for donations to help the needy.
The ubiquitous Red Kettle, perhaps the most quickly recognized symbol of The Salvation Army, has been around for over a century. Started in 1891 to help poor people in San Francisco, a kettle was placed at the Oakland Ferry Landing where passengers donated money as they scurried about. By the end of day, enough was collected to feed the poor.
For one month, beginning Nov. 21, the kettles will again be placed at malls, stores and downtown areas. According to Tricia Pellegrini, community relations manager for The Salvation Army, approximately 500 kettle stations will blanket the state, with an estimated 40 to 50 in Morris County.
Though volunteers are needed year-round to staff the 28 community centers in New Jersey, two of which are located in Dover and Morristown, help to man the kettle station is desperately needed for four-hour to eight-hour shifts through the holiday season.
“If we don’t have a volunteer to staff a good location that produces revenue, we hire someone and pay them minimum wage to stand by a kettle,” Pellegrini said.
The spokeswoman said that current trends are “deeply disturbing.” With food and fuel expenses rising, it costs more money to serve the same number of people as last year. As the economic crisis continues, it means more are in need, while fewer are able to help.
The money collected goes to supporting soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, emergency disaster services, youth and senior programs.
“The Red Kettle campaign is the most visible and sizable fundraiser The Salvation Army does,” she said. “Last year, almost $2 million were collected statewide.”
Area residents are asked to volunteer their time and ring a bell to help those less fortunate. To sign up call Judith Anderson at The Salvation Army’s New Jersey Divisional Headquarters at 908-851-8236.
Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army
Beginning Nov. 21, the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles will be set up at malls, stores and downtown areas throughout the county.
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