DECEMBER 10, 2009 ISSUE
Ringing Bells Herald Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign
Salvation Army Captain Teresa Della Monica presents a service award to Walmart Manager Tracy Stillwell as ringer Jon Morris looks on. Photo by Peter Morris
“Thank you!” “Merry Christmas!” “God bless you!” These oft-repeated anthems ring out as shoppers drop monetary offerings into the Salvation Army kettles as they enter or exit local store doors.
The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign began on Black Friday, and bells will ring through Christmas Eve, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Monday to Saturday.
Ringers, bells and kettles greet the public at the following locations: Belk’s, Kmart, Walmart and Lowe’s Foods in Boone, and at Lowe’s Foods at Tynecastle and Ingles Food Store in Newland.
The public can also donate to the kettle campaign during the Boone Christmas Parade, on Saturday, December 12, and on Main Street in Blowing Rock the Saturday before Christmas.
The campaign collects $20,000 to $25,000 per year and is the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser, said Jerry Walker, chair of the local Salvation Army Service Unit.
The money benefits residents of Avery and Watauga counties, going toward the purchase of food cards and helping people pay fuel and utility bills and rent and mortgage payments, Walker said.
Since Walker and other Salvation Army officers transitioned from Raleigh to Boone in 2003, the local unit of the organization has grown a great deal, providing not only a thrift store, but also offering a social services arm that can help those struggling financially, he said.
“The reason I’m a volunteer [is that] Salvation Army runs on about 17 percent overhead,” Walker said. “Eighty-three cents on the dollar goes back to people.”
This percentage, he added, is unheard of among large charity organizations.
Ninety to 100 people participate as ringers in the campaign each year, and volunteers are still needed at all locations.
Jon Morris rings with enthusiasm. Photo by Peter Morris
Coins in the Kettle Help Your Neighbor
This year, the Red Kettle Campaign will be overseen by Captain Teresa Della Monica, a native of Cuba who came to the High Country by way of Denia, Spain, where she and her recently deceased husband were working on various Salvation Army projects.
“I am very excited about our current fund drive,” said Della Monica. “I have already met with many generous and kind folks in the High Country who have made it clear to me that they believe in the work of the Salvation Army and are willing to volunteer and financially support our work.
“With the funds collected,” she continued, “we plan on continuing to serve the community by assisting with clothing, food, heating assistance, etc.”
Della Monica grew up going to Salvation Army Thrift Stores to supplement her family’s clothing and furniture, later joining their ranks through a recruiter in Atlanta, Ga.
“We quickly discovered that the Salvation Army was more than just thrift stores, finding it to be a church, a social service provider and a help and presence during disasters, both in this country and internationally,” she said.
“I continue to be blessed, every day, as I meet not only the local community of believers, who put their faith into practice, but also allowed to serve our Lord by doing what He has asked us to do in caring for those who are in need, whether financial, spiritual or otherwise,” she said.
This year’s campaign goal is $25,000. Checks, cash and coins in any amount are gratefully accepted in the kettles.
“We hope people have a very merry Christmas,” Walker said. “If they need coats, come see us.”
In a separate annual campaign, Mast General Store and A Cleaner World collect and then donate coats to the Salvation Army, which, in turn, distributes them to clients in need, he added.
For more information or to volunteer as a ringer, call Walker at 828-264-8777.
Additional donations can also be made by phone by calling the High Country Service Center at 1-800-215-0196 or by mail, with checks or money orders addressed to the High Country Service Center and mailed to The Salvation Army
Resource Development,
P.O. Box 241808,
Charlotte, N.C. 28224-1808.
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