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Washington-Wilkes Salvation Army kettle drive will bring help to needy families all year long All over the world, among the most familiar and reliable signs that the Christmas season has begun each year is the pleasant tingling of bells being rung to call attention to the collection kettles of the Salvation Army. It is no different right here in Washington-Wilkes. At designated times and locations from now through 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, volunteer ringers will be on the job to invite contributions and express thanks for gifts. The Salvation Army organization will use the funds raised throughout the year to help needy people meet emergency needs which may arise. Food, medicines, transportation, utilities, and home repairs are examples of needs which may unexpectedly add up to more than a person or family can pay. "The Christmas kettle collections are the major fund-raising effort for the Salvation Army for the entire year," reports Rev. Albert W. Huyck Jr., commander of the Wilkes County Salvation Army Unit. "We appreciate the donations we receive and we try to make sure that anyone we help is truly deserving. Almost always the recipient is asked to provide part of the need for himself and we help make up the difference." The funds are administered principally through Treasurer Dot Harris, who also schedules the bell ringers. Mrs. Harris said early results of this year's campaign are encouraging. "All is going well so far," she said. "Cash collections in the kettles are up from last year, and we need that. Costs are also up, especially where transportation is a need." Besides the kettle donations, many businesses and individuals contribute directly to the Salvation Army campaign. Eighty percent of funds collected during the Christmas season is used to help meet local needs. As an example of helping those who help themselves, Mrs. Harris told of a daughter who gave up her job in order to take care of her aging parents, both in their 90s. "This is an unusual case," Mrs. Harris began. "Our practice is to help a person only once a year, and this is the third year this woman has asked us to help. Because of the circumstances, we are glad we can help her with some of the money entrusted to us. The elderly couple lives in a home they own. In 2005, when it became clear that they could no longer take care of themselves, their daughter moved in with them so they would not have to move, most likely into a nursing home. "She is still there, probably providentially," Harris added. "They are just getting by, on a fixed income, with expenses slightly more than income. At the end of each year, they need some help, and we can help with utility bills." There are also many single mothers with children who present different kinds of needs. They need the basic necessities as usual, but small children also need to know the joy of Santa Claus and toys at Christmas. "Many times the mothers have caused themselves hardships by making bad choices," Harris said, "but the children had nothing to do with that." The Christmas kettle bells will resume ringing this weekend from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 7-8, and Sunday, December 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. Only one kettle is used, alternating between locations at Ingles and Bi- Lo food stores. Remaining times are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 14-15; 1-5 p.m. Sunday, December 16; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, December 20; 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 21-22; 1-5 p.m. Sunday, December 23; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, December 24. "Our greatest need is for volunteers to ring the bells," Harris added. "If we had enough volunteers, we could expand the schedule or even add a kettle or two."
Anyone willing to join the Salvation Army bell ringers is urged to call Dot Harris at 706-678-2818. She will fityou into the schedule at a time of your choosing, if possible.
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