It’s not only the weather that’s beginning to look like Christmas. When the red kettles come out, Christmas can’t be far behind.
The Salvation Army’s signature red kettles will make their appearance this Friday, Nov. 21, and they’ll be in many area locations through Dec. 20.
Kettles and bell ringers have been familiar sights at Fareway and Ben Franklin/Radio Shack for several years. There are smaller versions at convenience stores in Churdan, Scranton and Grand Junction. One will be added at the Casey’s on N. Elm in Jefferson as well.
The local committee consists of the Rev Dan Emmert, the Rev Debbie Griffin, Hollie Roberts, Tim Christensen, Vern Foje and Bill Monroe.
Organizations planning to help ring bells this year include Kiwanis, Aktion Club, the Mason, and Central Christian, Christ Lutheran, First United Methodist and First Presbyterian churches in Jefferson, and Horizons, the Lions Club and the Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction.
Last year, more than $7,100 was raised. Since 90 percent of all donations return to Greene County, more than $6,300 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. The goal for this year has been set at $9,000.
Persons or families that would like to ring the Salvation Army bell and man a kettle can contact the committee or one of the participating organizations.
Residents are encouraged to give generously and often to this worthy cause. “You may be helping your neighbor, or even yourself,” a spokesperson said.
