Kettles the Ready
Although red kettles haven't appeared near storefronts and ringers have yet to emerge with bells, the Salvation Army has been working steadily to coordinate its annual fund drive.
Despite those efforts, various types of help is still needed — including with kettle sites.
"We start planning right after Labor Day. We start looking at potential spots," said Capt. Henry Thibault, in charge of the Butler Salvation Army on Cunningham Street.
"In Butler, we put out 17 kettles, and it's getting harder and harder because a lot of the stores are changing their policies."
Thibault refers to some big box stores that are beginning to limit or eliminate time and space available to kettles.
Although many of those stores donate at the corporate level, Thibault is striving to keep the community tradition alive.
"Corporate America thinks differently than hometown America," he said, noting the Salvation Army hopes to cultivate new kettle spots in downtown Butler.
Along with kettle sites, Thibault said ringers are always sought. Those can include members of clubs, churches or civic groups or families and individuals.
"If they want to call and schedule a day, we have stores they can stand at," he said. Shift lengths can vary based on the preference of ringers, who must fill out applications except when organizations sign on as a group.
"It's a great tradition to start with your family. It's a tradition that will last a lifetime," Thibault said. "Once you stand on a kettle, it changes your life."
Liz Howard is among volunteers who attest to Thibault's statement.
"I've met so many wonderful people. I enjoy it," said Howard, 61, of Butler, entering her sixth year as a local volunteer.
"People come back every year," Howard added, describing repeat "customers" who offer her kind words and cups of coffee.
As well as making friends with the public, Howard and Thibault say the ringers bond with one another.
"Once kettle people ring together for the Christmas season, they all become such close and good friends," Thibault said.
"The van ride home is so funny. Everybody's laughing, telling about the stories of the day."
Thibault said volunteer opportunities also come into play on the United Way's annual Day of Caring, when community members set aside time to paint and restore the kettles.
With kettles painted and ready for placement, workers also have begun to assemble kits for the ringers. Those include shawls, aprons, bells and candy canes or lollipops to hand out.Often contained in a backpack that easily hangs from the kettle stand, the kits must be restocked frequently due to the high distribution to countless passersby throughout each season.According to Thibault, the Butler drive usually raises about $70,000 toward the agency's $500,000 annual budget.Some years the funds are harder to raise, depending on how many weeks fall between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, time will be tight, with only four weeks between the holidays.Given the timeframe and some loss of kettle sites, Thibault said the Salvation Army is hoping those who don't put money in kettles will consider mailing a contribution."Every little bit helps, whichever way we can get it," he said.Those who wish to donate money can send checks to the Salvation Army, 313 W. Cunningham St., Butler, PA 16001.To offer a kettle site or to volunteer as a ringer, call Thibault at 724-287-5532.
