Bells will ring in the season

Nov. 1, 2012  PLYMOUTH EAGLE.

Salvation Army     “Doing the Most Good”

It is the sound of a tradition throughout the area during the holiday season.

While it many not seem possible that the Christmas holidays are near, next week the ringing of the bells at The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign will begin. While the family traditions, the decorating, cooking, shopping and gift wrapping all mark the season, the sound of these bells reminds each of us that no matter what our situation, there are those who need our help. It’s a gentle, non-intrusive way to allow each of us to give a little to help a lot.

The campaign will begin next Friday, Nov. 9 and the Plymouth Corps of the Salvation Army has partnered with several local businesses to provide opportunities for community members to be involved, whether ringing a bell, donating space in front of a business or dropping some coins or bills into a kettle.

Funds collected during the Red Kettle Campaign, which is the largest fundraiser of The Salvation Army, help provide vital services to neighbors in need throughout Plymouth and the surrounding cities and communities for the entire year. The goal for the entire region this year is $8.5 million—-a lot of money which will provide a lot of much needed help.

The charity offers a number of ways to help. For a $125 contribution, local businesses and organizations can sponsor a red kettle. The kettle will display a sign letting donors know the kettle was sponsored by the business or individual.

Businesses can also adopt a kettle and staff it exclusively through- out the season with their own volunteers. This has often led to a friendly competition among business and organization rivals to see which can raise the most money.

Already signed up to host red kettles at their storefronts are Greek Island Coney restaurant on Main Street in Plymouth, Old Navy in Canton Township and Kmart in Belleville. They join returning sponsors Busch’s Fresh Food Market, Hiller’s Country Market, Kmart, Kroger, Starbucks and the U.S. Post Office, with kettles in Plymouth as well as Kroger, Sam’s Club, JC Penney, Holiday Market and Walgreen’s in Canton and Walmart in Belleville and Canton.

Old Navy will also be collecting donated new clothing to be distributed to families in need of assistance during the holidays.

Individuals can also volunteer to staff red kettles at storefronts throughout the area. Volunteers are needed to ring bells and collect donations from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. through Dec. 24.

The Red Kettle campaign is truly a holiday tradition in this area and one that brings the true spirit of the holiday to both the one donating a few coins or dollars and the one receiving the much-needed help.

As always, donations are far more important than you may know and mean far more than you realize. No matter how much or how little, your contributions can make a real difference in the lives of your neighbors.

When you hear the bells, donate what you can. Merry Christmas.