Volunteers needed for Red Kettle campaign

They're a familiar sight during the holiday season.

The red kettle. Cheery, musical bells. Smiles for days. 

Unfortunately, due to a lack of volunteers, the ubiquitous red kettles — which serve as both a symbol of the Salvation Army's Christmas donation program and a place to place donations — aren't being seen as much this year in the community.

And that likely means less money over the coming year to help those in the community who need a helping hand.

"The Red Kettle drive is the one main fundraiser for the year for the Salvation Army," Pam Fox, a volunteer organizer of the campaign for the organization, said, adding that all of the money raised by the campaign stays in the community to help local residents.

However, a lack of volunteers means that residents have few opportunities to donate, which results in less money raised and not as much money to help those in need to apply to the Salvation Army for assistance, Fox said.

Fox said even a small amount of time can make a big difference, citing a local teen who rang the bell on a recent Sunday afternoon. The youth raised more than $75.

"That's two pairs of shoes for kids in need," Fox said.

Not only does the money stay in the community, but being a part of the Red Kettle campaign is a lot of fun. Some people sing and dance, others dress up or play an instrument, and still others simply ring the bell and have fun talking to the people coming by the store.

"It's probably one of the easiest jobs you'll do," she said. "All of the equipment is supplied — the stands, the kettle, the apron, and the bell. When they're done bell ringing, the bucket with any funds goes to (the store's) customer service. They're never left alone with the bucket, so it's very trustworthy."

Some — like Sandpoint Kiwanis Club members — compete among themselves to see which members can raise the most money for the Salvation Army. To help, Fox said the Salvation Army is happy to empty the kettle between the shifts to determine who raised which funds.

Five stores have signed on to host the campaign — Walmart, Yoke's, Super 1, Safeway and North 40. Volunteers can sign up for one-, two- or three-hour blocks between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. now through Dec. 24.

The money is used for a one-time emergency donation for everything from gas, prescriptions and food to rent and utilities. The Salvation Army also does a back-to-school backpack program, helps with winter boots, and helps local youth attend the organization's Camp Gifford summer camp in Deer Park, Wash. 

The organization vets those seeking assistance and works to help them with a one-time, emergency assistance.

"We don't want to become their bank, but we listen to the situation and see where we can help the best," Fox said. "We partner with other area churches and organizations at the same time."

The goal is to help those in need and to point them in the right direction while helping them figure out a plan for a long-term, sustainable course to try and avoid future financial emergencies.

"If someone comes in with a $500 power bill, none of us can pay that $500, so we use the resources we have connections with and see how much money (those seeking help) can put toward it," Fox said. "We also guide them with where else they can go."

The Salvation Army works with Community Action Partnership and other organizations to help those in need. The plan is to help create a sustainable solution so the power doesn't get shut off again in a few weeks. 

"We don't want to kick the can down the road," she added.

Donations of cash or checks can be dropped into a Red Kettle or made online at northwest.salvationarmy.org.

The red kettle at Christmas all began in 1981 when Captain Joseph McFee of the Salvation Army decided to serve a free Christmas dinner to the poor in San Francisco, Calif. He prayed for how he would afford to provide all the food for such a large project.

He thought back to his days on the waterfront in Liverpool, England, where a popular local eatery collected cash donations for the poor in a large soup kettle called "Simpson's Pot."

McFee wasted no time in getting the largest soup kettle he could find and placing it in a conspicuous spot on the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street. Passengers going to and from the ferry boats tossed their loose change into the kettle, and before long, McFee had enough funds to pay for the Christmas dinner.

Thus began a Christmas tradition that has spread throughout the world and continues to this day.

To sign up to help with the local Red Kettle campaign, call Pam Fox at 208-290-6761 or Anita Byers at 208-255-6930.