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Red Kettle campaign at 40% of goal

PEYTON NEELY The Marietta Times Audrey Kesselring, 3, of Beverly, and her father Jared, 33, ring the bell for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle at Walmart in Marietta next to veteran bell-ringer, Tava Douglas, 50, of Marietta, on Friday afternoon.

Everyone knows that familiar sound of the ringing bell outside popular department stores and grocery stores in every part of the country. The Salvation Army and their iconic red Christmas kettle have taken to the streets to collect donations for this holiday season.

The campaign is in full bloom, entering day 18 of 30 days. Beginning on Nov. 18 and stretching to Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, Capt. Aaron Moore said they are 40 percent of the way to their goal.

“We are just under $30,000 so far,” said the Marietta Corps commanding officer. “We shoot for $75,000 like last year.”

In 2015, the Marietta Salvation Army raised $73,334.10, just under their goal. This year, they are less than half of the way there.

“I don’t know if people realize the money collected in these buckets goes to helping people within Washington County,” said Capt. Wanessa Moore, corps officer for Marietta. “It goes to our programs throughout the year and building maintenance here but mostly to assist the community.”

Donations contribute to programs including emergency financial assistance, seasonal services, camping activities, worship services, character building programs, day camps, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless and Christmas assistance.

There are several ways to donate with locations all over Marietta. Walmart, K-Mart, Food 4 Less and IGA have red buckets outside their stores and both Kroger in Belpre and Marietta have one.

“To feed a family of four it only costs around $3,” said Wanessa. “So that $5 you can donate goes a long way.”

The Salvation Army has served Marietta for 126 years and this is the biggest campaign they have to support the community.

“I would love to challenge the community to reach our goal,” said Aaron. “My sister is the captain of the Salvation Army in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Right now, we are ahead of that town which is over three times the size of Marietta by $16,000. I’d love to win bragging rights in beating them in the race to $75,000.”

Aaron also said they are still looking for volunteers.

“Anyone who wishes to volunteer, we will accept anyone,” he said.

Schools, individuals, groups, friends and other organizations interested in volunteering their time as a bell-ringer can contact the volunteer office at the Salvation Army by calling 740-373-4043.

“Volunteers can work any shift they want,” said Aaron. “They get their pick any day of the week.”

Tava Douglas, 50, of Marietta, has volunteered her time to face the harsh winter air ringing the bell to collect donations since 1997.

“I like to be out with people in the community,” said Douglas. “I also love helping other people so it helps me while helping my community as well.”

Douglas said she discovered the position through an advertisement 19 years ago and thought to herself that it was something she could do.

“After awhile, people get to know you and want to give to the community a little more,” she said. “I appreciate everything we as a community do for each other.”

Monday through Saturday, volunteers ringing the bells will be out from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. during the cold weather, rain or shine.

“We realize a lot of people are cold and rushing to their cars but we ask people who can’t donate to stop and talk to our ringers,” said Wanessa. “They’re cold and tired after being there all day and a warm conversation can go a long way during a cold day.”

For more information about volunteering or donating, visit the Marietta Salvation Army’s Facebook page. Aaron mentioned that anyone who may be worried about leaving monetary donations due to the recent theft of a Salvation Army bucket  Tuesday from the K-Mart location in Marietta to bring checks or cash directly to the Marietta Salvation Army located at 136 Front St.

“In all 126 years that the Salvation Army has served the Marietta area, this is the first time a bucket has been stolen,” said Aaron. “We are of course at a loss but will pick back up and continue the campaign with more security. I advise people who can write a check ahead of time to make it out to the Salvation Army.”

About the

campaign

¯The Salvation Army is 18 days into their campaign.

¯There are 13 more days to go.

¯Bell ringers are outside every day Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

¯$29,954.55 has been collected so far and the goal is $75,000.

¯ The Christmas Kettles can be found at Walmart, K-Mart, Kroger, Food 4 Less and IGA in Marietta.

Source: Capt. Aaron Moore.

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