Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign returns Monday
Trending
It's the most wonderful time of year for Thomas Crownover, who has volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign for nearly 20 years.
Crownover missed taking part in the campaign last year due to COVID-19 protocols but is excited to don his Santa hat and hand out candy canes to children this year.
"It feels good," Crownover said. "I'm happy."
Red kettles, those harbingers of the holidays, will soon be popping up outside local businesses around Altoona as the local Salvation Army's campaign kicks off Monday, Nov. 15. The campaign will run through Christmas Eve.
Melody Hewitt, who has worked with the adult training services at Skills of Central PA for nearly 40 years, also enjoys helping the Salvation Army during the campaign.
"People love to give and since COVID and since the world is such a challenging place right now, it feels good to give," Hewitt said.
This year, the Altoona program's goal is to raise $110,000. All donations will remain local to assist families and individuals in the area, Pastor Larry Fulmer said.
"We usually reach our goal," Fulmer said. "Last year, because of COVID, we came pretty close but not quite."
The money raised will also go toward the Salvation Army Church's yearly operational costs.
"It benefits anyone who is in need, no organization, just anyone who is in need in the community," Fulmer said.
"It allows us to operate our day-to-day social services ministry."
Fulmer has been with the Altoona Salvation Army for about five years and said the church's missions and campaigns are special.
The red kettle campaign began in 1891 in an effort to feed San Francisco's homeless population over Christmas. Today, the campaign has spread nationwide and enables the Salvation Army to assist over 4.5 million people during Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to the Salvation Army website.
"I got involved with the Salvation Army because of all the services they provide," Fulmer said. "Their initiative allows them to make a large impact on the communities wherever they're located."
Red kettles will be located outside Walmart, Sam's Club, Logan Valley Mall, J.C. Penney, Hobby Lobby, Boscov's, Walgreens and Save-a-Lot, Fulmer said.
Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact the Salvation Army Church office at 814-942-8104.
Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.