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Salvation Army needs bell ringers to 'man the kettle' this Christmas
Much thought and debate will precede the selection of "the perfect gift" for the special person at the top of one's gift list. Hours of shopping and agonizing over choices will finally result in a positive answer to the stock question, "Are you ready for Christmas?" Somebody has to settle on a menu for the annual family dinner. What to wear" How big a party" Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. More in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas are decisions pertaining to humanitarian gifts to help ease the pain of less fortunate people who may be facing crisis situations with no apparent relief. Understandably, as Christmas approaches there are increasing requests for gifts to help the needy among us. A decision must be made as to how one's limited contribution may be best used for the most benefit to the most people. Over many years and throughout the world, the Salvation Army has earned a reputation for carefully making use of the funding made available through voluntary contributions. In Wilkes County, the local Salvation Army Unit helps individuals and families when they lack the ability to help themselves. As an example, when an elderly disabled woman could not pay her utility bill, she was faced with the prospect of having her electricity cut off even as the cold weather of winter set in. Case workers from DFCS did all they could, but it was not enough. The woman then appealed to the Salvation Army, which supplied $65 to finish paying the bill. The case is typical. As long as funds are available, the Salvation Army will help deserving people meet basic needs including lodging, food, utilities, travel aid, and various emergencies. Every effort is made to meet the need and to assure that the need is genuine. Almost all of the money donated to the Salvation Army during December comes through the familiar Christmas Kettle collection, which is the major fund-raising event of the year. This year's collection began November 21 during the Downtown Candlelight Shopping promotion and resumes this Friday, December 1. "We never give anyone cash," said Dot Harris, treasurer of the local SA unit. "Most of the time, we don't meet the whole need. We encourage the applicant to do all he can and then we will help make up the difference." The Salvation Army's help is supplied to needy persons in a kind, caring, dignified, gentle, and efficient manner. All kinds of needs are met throughout the year, with special attention focused on the Christmas season, when the bulk of supporting funds is raised by contributions at the familiar kettle, manned by volunteer bell ringers. "Bell ringers are our greatest need right now," Harris added. "We are off to an excellent start, but it takes a lot of ringers to fill our schedule. Please call me at 706-678-2818 if you can help for a one-hour slot or more." Lynn Land is assisting in contacting prospective ringers and filling the schedule. Through Christmas Eve, the kettle will be manned every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, with the addition of Thursday, December 14, 10 to 6, and Thursday, Decem- ber 21, 10 to 6:30. Location of the kettle will alternate between Bi-Lo and Ingles. "We are happy to state that almost all of the money raised locally is used to benefit local persons and
families," said Rev. Albert W. Huyck, who has served as commander of the Wilkes County Unit for many years. "Special thanks to all of our volunteers and to all who have contributed so generously."
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