WESTFIELD-With the Salvation Army’s “red kettle” season only weeks away, volunteers – individuals or community and civic groups – are being sought to ensure that businesses across the city will be covered during the holiday season.
“We are currently working on ramping up for the kettle campaign and looking for individual and group volunteers to ring the bell,” said Emily Mew, Western Massachusetts field representative for the Salvation Army’s state division.
Mew added that the local chapter is in the midst of planning specifics on holiday distribution locations.
“Sign up times and locations will be available soon,” said Mew. “We are also looking for people and businesses to make donations, both for Thanksgiving turkeys and gifts for Christmas.”
For persons interested in donating turkeys, adopting a child and/or family, organizing an angel tree or some other project, contact Laurie Matthews at [email protected].
Individuals or groups interested in bell ringing are asked to contact Mary Lou Dazelle at (413) 562-2910 or via email to [email protected].
“We ask for one to two hours at their convenience, however, multiple days would be very much appreciated as this campaign runs from mid-November to Christmas Eve,” said Mew.
Mew noted that the money raised through the kettle drive stays in the area.
“The money we raise goes back into the local community to help people in emergency need, whether that’s due to financial hardship, homelessness, an emergency situation (like a loss of income, accident, medical expenses) or surviving a disaster such as a fire or flood,” said Mew.
Mew stressed there is no specific number or limit to the number of volunteers needed.
“We also look for opportunities to partner with community and civic groups and nonprofits that might be looking to fundraise for their own special community projects,” said Mew.
