For the second time in history, the Wilkes County Unit of the Salvation Army has received over $10,000 in Christmas Kettle funds. Total donations amounted to $10,073.41, second only to last year’s total of $10,668. Of the total gifts, 80 percent ($8,058) is kept in Wilkes County and 20 percent goes to the state offices to be used wherever needed, worldwide.

“The people of our county have responded generously again to the increased need for help,” organizer Dot Harris said. “The local Salvation Army Board is very grateful to all those who donated money or time, and to Ingles and Bi-lo stores for accepting bell ringers at their locations.” For 19 days, 157 volunteers, some worked in pairs, rang the bell for a total of 128 hours.

In 2009, 129 cases were helped in Wilkes County, the most ever. Many of these were due to job loss or reduction in hours. The Christmas Kettle fund-raiser is the major source of funds for emergency aid throughout the year. Dr. Marvin Clayton is the president of the local board and Dot Harris is the treasurer.