Tis the Season for Red Kettles
If there is one thing certain in this uncertain world, it is that need does not discriminate.Regardless of race, gender, or social status, we are all one disaster away from losing everything. Need keeps people awake at night. Need can be heard in the hungry bellies of our neighbors. Need doesn't care who you are, where you went to school, or who you know, and it doesn't care that you might not be ready for it to strike.Fortunately, if there is a need in our community, the Salvation Army is always there to help. For one month out of the year, they ask for our help in return - in the form of pocket change. Those famous red kettles and the merry bell-ringers will soon be making their annual appearances at numerous local businesses. Last year, our community managed to bring in almost $80,000 from the kettle drive.But what does that money go towards?"We take care of basic human needs," says executive director Stephanie Holcomb. "We offer an emergency food and shelter program as well as a food bank. We donate furniture to people who have lost their homes due to fire or other disasters. We do special things for local children, such as our school supply drive, the holiday Angel Tree, and yearly trips to our summer camp in Mississippi. The money that is donated during the holiday season has to last us the entire year."One of the most utilized services that the Salvation Army offers is their local food bank. "We were able to feed six thousand families last year," says Holcomb, "but we wouldn't be able to do it without donations from Winn Dixie and Walmart, who definitely deserve props for their help, because each person who comes into our food bank walks out with approximately $80-100 worth of groceries.""We also assist Daybreak and DHR, and we're seeing more senior citizens utilizing our services," adds social worker Debbie Willcutt. "We try not to leave anyone out."The 2014 Kettle Campaign will begin the day after Thanksgiving and last through Christmas Eve. Locations will be at local Walmarts in Jasper, Sumiton, Winfield, and Haleyville, as well as the Jasper Mall, Winn Dixie, and Son's Supermarkets in Jasper and Parrish. Hobby Lobby and TJ Maxx are also potential sites. Businesses can sponsor a kettle for $500 or $1000, and all donations that the business donates are tax deductible.Those who are interested in volunteering can contact kettle coordinator Terry McKay directly at 205-471-4923, or they can stop by the Salvation Army in downtown Jasper and speak to Stephanie about scheduling."This year, we're doing something a little different in terms of scheduling," Holcomb explains. "Instead of two hour time slots like we've had in the past, we now have one hour options available. Any civic organization, school, church, or individual can volunteer. Our goal is to have no gaps in any time slots." 78