The Salvation Army in Greene County has dusted off the red kettles for the traditional Christmas kettle campaign. Kettles have been a familiar sight at Fareway and Ben Franklin/Radio Shack for several years. The Greene County chapter has expanded the Salvation Army presence to Churdan, Grand Junction, and Scranton, either in the use of buckets at convenience stores or perhaps even a bell ringer with a kettle. The campaign begins Nov. 22 and continues through Dec. 21. The goal is to raise $9,000.
The local committee consists of Rev. Dan Emmert, Hollie Roberts, Tim Christensen, Vern Foje, Rev. Debbie Griffin, and Bill Monroe. Organizations planning to help ring the bells this year include Kiwanis, Central Christian, Christ Lutheran, Gospel Open Bible, First Methodist, First Presbyterian, Aktion Club, Masons, and Grand Junction Lions, Horizons, and Presbyterian Church.
Last year, more than $7,500 was raised. Since 90 percent of all donations return to Greene County, that means that over $7,000 was available to help families in crisis. The money is used for disaster services, groceries, and other types of aid that meets the criteria of the Salvation Army.
Persons who would like to ring the Salvation Army bell and man a kettle are asked to contact the committee or one of the organizations participating.
Residents are encouraged to give generously and often to this worthy cause. “You may be helping your neighbor, or even yourself,” a spokesperson said.
