Campaign helps feed, house less fortunate
While it could be presumed that the Butler Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign took a major hit last year during the coronavirus pandemic, Major Darlene Means said residents stepped up to ensure the less fortunate were cared for during the difficult winter.
“No matter what goes on, they're here to support and help people,” Means said.She said the Butler Salvation Army raised more than $95,000 last year, which was well over its goal for the kettles.Means also said that all kettles were out for their normal hours last year, despite the pandemic.No stores that normally participate in the campaign refused to allow a collection, but many required volunteers to wear masks.Means did not experience a shortage of volunteer bell ringers either, as several charitable organizations and clubs provided members to perform the chilly task.Because people were staying home, there were fewer deposits of bills and coins into the familiar red kettles last year, but Butler residents did not forget about the Salvation Army.
“When people couldn't get out to the kettles, they actually mailed in donations,” Means said. “In the memo line of the check, they put 'kettle donation.'”Means also received donations last year through QR code and text message opportunities created during the pandemic.
This year, the red kettles have been or will be set up at nine locations.A new location this year is the Save A Lot grocery store in Pullman Square.
All red kettles will be manned from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in an effort to meet the $89,000 goal for this season.Some locations already have red kettles set up and are accepting donations, while others will be ready Monday.Means said volunteers are still being sought to ring the bells.
Ringers can choose the hours and location where they want to volunteer, she said.She hopes last year's generosity carries over to the current holiday season.“Donate whatever you can,” Means said. “It could be a couple dollars or loose change. Anything helps.”The funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign help the Butler Salvation Army with its program that helps the less fortunate provide a Christmas for their families, and goes toward rent and utility assistance and the Feeding Families lunch program in downtown Butler.Those who would like to volunteer at a Salvation Army red kettle can call the Butler office at 724-287-5532 and ask for Means or Amy Tebay.
