5 Questions & Answers - Salvation Army bell ringer Dennis Hartle
Butler County is filled with a variety of people doing interesting things.
This weekly feature offers snapshots of some of them by asking them five questions.
The latest installment appears below.
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Shortly before Thanksgiving, the Salvation Army began its annual kettle drive, which will last through Christmas Eve.
According to Capt. Henry Thibault, the nonprofit has 14 kettles stationed around Butler, with eight service groups and 20 individuals signed up to volunteer.
Among them is Dennis Hartle, 54, of Butler, who mans the Sam's Club kettle from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. four days a week in addition to working a full-time night job. Hartle talks about his three seasons as a volunteer.
QUESTION: What percentage of passersby put a donation in the kettle?ANSWER: At least half the people that go through here put something in. It's been a lot slower this year than in the past.
QUESTION: Do you have a strategy for getting donations?ANSWER: Just be polite and friendly. Talk to people. Say Merry Christmas. Let the kids ring the bell. Kids enjoy ringing the bell. ... What I like is if there's a whole line of people coming out the door, if one person stops and puts something in the kettle, the people behind them will do it too.
QUESTION: What was your biggest donation?ANSWER: I try not to watch what people are putting in the kettle, but sometimes you'll see it. As far as the biggest donation, I can't really say. Probably a $50 or $100 bill.
QUESTION: What was your coldest day?ANSWER: That would have been last year. I'd say probably zero with the wind chill. If it gets really bitterly cold, we don't go out. If they're canceling school, we won't go out either.
QUESTION: Why do you spend so many hours out there?ANSWER: I just enjoy doing it. I enjoy helping out. The Salvation Army is a good organization. ... We're here to help the community and to keep the soup kitchen (and food bank) going.
