It’s sort of like being asked to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game or to join the teams at midfield for the traditional coin toss. Dollar bills don’t make much noise as they land softly in the Big Red Kettle, but when they heard the familiar tinkling sound, the crowd assembled in front of Belk department store broke out in applause.
It’s the kickoff of the Salvation Army’s annual Kettle Campaign, y’all.
And Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington had the honor of depositing the first contribution, adding with a chuckle, that “it’s the first of many.”
The husband-and-wife team that leads the local Salvation Army, Capt. Josh and Capt. Amanda Keaton, were on hand to officially start the holiday season of giving to the Salvation Army.
This year’s goal is $75,000, Capt. Josh Keaton told the group of local officials and others assembled Wednesday morning.
“Families are facing hard choices,” he added. Ringing the bell and standing by the kettle is a way for volunteers to pitch in as a community so that others don’t have to make the choice to either pay the light bill or buy food to put on the table.
Those cheery bell ringers give of their time, he said, “while giving a little bit of hope and cheer to others.”
Belk store manager Chris Tilley said he was happy to be able to partner with the Salvation Army. In addition to having the bell ringers outside the store, patrons inside will have the opportunity at check-out to make an additional donation to the Salvation Army.
The store also will sponsor a toy drive that will begin in early December.
“This is just another great way to partner with a great organization to help children,” Tilley said.
John Metzger chairs the Salvation Army advisory committee and he said that all the money collected in the local kettles is given to the local Salvation Army and it is all used to help local residents in need.
Three local Walmarts – Henderson, Oxford and Louisburg – will have Angel Trees set up for shoppers to choose tags from and purchase toys for children.
This year’s theme is “Love Beyond,” Keaton said.
“We’re going to do our part in the community to make sure somebody else in the community has a Christmas.”
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