The Shadow
The Salvation Army in Covington is seeking bell ringers for its annual red kettle drive, set to begin in early November.
This year, The Salvation Army has a goal of raising $50,000 through the kettle drive, which will run from Nov. 2 through Christmas Eve. Capt. Karl Dahlin, commander of The Covington Salvation Army Corps, said economic conditions have placed a heavy strain on the organization’s budget this year.
“In response to the economy this past year, The Salvation Army stretched itself to the limit and beyond, increasing its services to those in crisis by some 200 percent,” he said. “Unfortunately, this dramatic increase in need coincided with a drop in general donations through the year as donors were more likely to give less in response to the uncertainty in the economy.”
The annual red kettle campaign is the main fundraising source for The Salvation Army in Covington.
In addition to buying toys, food and stockings for needy families at Christmas, money from the kettles is also used to provide assistance year round.
“That makes this year’s kettle drive all the more important,” Dahlin said.
Kettles placed on street corners and in front of shops and stores during the Christmas season are one of the most recognized symbols of The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army seeks volunteers to ring bells at the kettles.
When volunteers aren’t found, The Salvation Army hires temporary workers to fill the voids.
“While it does provide some income during the holiday season for some, having a payroll makes it more difficult to meet the fundraising goal,” Dahlin said.
He noted that some local residents who have contributed to the kettle campaign have found themselves relying on services from The Salvation Army during the economic downturn.
“The Salvation Army in Covington has seen a significant increase in those coming to them for services in the last two years,” Dahlin said.
Individuals, church groups and civic organizations interested in assisting this year’s kettle drive by being bell ringers should call The Salvation Army at 540-962-6206.
Applications for paid bell ringers are available at The Salvation Army office, 153 N. Maple Ave. in Covington.
In addition to its red kettle campaign, The Salvation Army is also making plans for its annual Angel Tree toy drive.
Last year, more than 3,700 toys collected through Angel Tree were distributed in December.
