Community Corner

Every Penny Counts for Salvation Army Kettle Campaign

Why not consider crowdsourcing a Red Kettle with your co-workers?

My recent two-hour shift working the Red Kettle at Market Basket on Amherst Street was enlightening. Two things I learned:

1. The Salvation Army's primary annual fundraiser is a simple idea that takes a lot of effort;

2. The human factor means everything to its success.

I arrived on time for my 1 p.m. commitment and was met by a man in a blue van who welcomed me, handed me my bell, wrote my name on a slip of paper which he poked through the slot of my empty red kettle. Then he wished me well. 

At first I considered keeping track of how many people dropped money in the kettle, but quickly realized that, for that to be relevant, I also needed to count everyone who walked by, whether they donated or not.

If you've ever been to the Market Basket on Amherst Street, you know what a dumb idea that was. It's impossible to count foot traffic at that busy location, unless it's your only job. And anyway, I had plenty to do just ringing the bell, smiling, greeting people, and thanking people.

And about 10 minutes into my ringing ritual, that's when it sunk in – that my job wasn't to worry about how many, or how much.

You see, 122 years ago, a guy named Captain Joseph McFee of the fledgling Salvation Army, needed a miracle – a way to raise enough money to feed 1,000 hungry children a Christmas dinner. He placed a pot out with a sign that read, "Keep the Pot Boiling," and raised the money he needed.

A simple idea that continues to change lives right here in Nashua – and around the country, where each giving season more than 4.5 million people receive Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer.

According to Jennifer Horn, Director of Development and Community Affairs for the Greater Nashua Salvation Army, times are tight for everyone, and local kettle intake is down by about $20,000 from this time last year.

"The revenues from kettles fund our programs throughout the year – food pantry, emergency assistance,  senior programs, after school programs, summer camp, and more – so when kettle revenues are down, our clients feel the consequences throughout the year," Horn said.

So, next time you're out running errands, shopping for groceries, or finishing up your Christmas shopping, consider dropping a donation in the pot – every penny counts, and it all adds up to make an indelible difference.

Crowdsource the local kettle 

There are still plenty of shifts available for volunteer bell ringers. Call 603-889-5151 to sign up. HINT: Groups/organizations/companies can sign on for a six-to-10 hour shift and and fill it with employees or members who can take turns. 




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