‘Pass those blessings on’: Red Kettle event kicks off the season of giving | News, Sports, Jobs

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Lt. Colonel Edgar George, Jr. delivers remarks during the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.

The sounds of Christmas carols greeted guests at the Salvation Army’s 7th annual Red Kettle Breakfast which kicks off the season and also represents a major fundraising event for the non-profit.

The Salvation Army’s red kettles have been a familiar sight at locations across the country for over a century and their appearance signals to many the beginning of the holiday season of giving.

Unfortunately economic trends have taken their toll on giving at the kettles at a time when the need for assistance is growing, said Kent Bennett, president of the board.

In the last 10 to 15 years there have been fewer kettles, Bennett, president of the advisory board, told the group at the breakfast this week.

This is due in part to a decrease in available locations because many brick and mortar stores have closed as the public opts to shop more online and to not carry cash, he said.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Lt. Colonel Edgar George, Jr. delivers remarks during the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.

“The Bible instructs us that when you’re blessed…you are to pass those blessings on to others and that’s what this event is all about,” Bennett said.

It was noted that the Salvation Army had launched a five-year comprehensive fund campaign to raise funds just to support the local chapter in order to address the growing need in the community. It is estimated that they would need to raise approximately $150,000 extra each year in order to sustain the current services that they offer, such as food and rental assistance as well as programs for adults and families.

Lt. Colonel Edgar George Jr., who was appointed head of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division of the Salvation Army, announced that the group had

adopted”The Joy of Giving” for this year’s Christmas theme.

“We’re asking each one of you to join with us in bringing joy to families who are experiencing poverty, hunger, job loss and more,” George said.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Major Sheryl Hershey speaks during the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.

“I’m aware that the request for assistance won’t surprise you, is on the rise. In fact, our volunteers, (and) our employees are struggling to keep up with all the requests,” he added.

He pointed out that these are the day-to-day requests even before the holiday assistance programs begin.

“Wih government cuts increasing; increasing inflation and growing unemployment rates, it’s no wonder that requests for assistance are at an all time high,” he said.

“But this is where you come in. This is where our friends and supporters come in, because many of our neighbors have lost jobs. They’ve lost their child care, some of them have lost their homes,” he continued.

He called for the community to assist with programs offered by the non-profit, such as job training, rental assistance, utility assistance and spiritual support.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
A Salvation Army Red Kettle buckets sits at the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.

“Some of the hardest working families in our communities — some might even be your neighbors, people that you know, that you work with and live next to — they are facing difficult decisions,” he said.

“Adults are going hungry so that they can pay their rent. Families have to decide whether to buy food for the family or fill the oil tank so they have heat for the winter — decisions that no family, no parents should have to be faced with. All of this while food banks are struggling to keep their shelves filled,” he added.

Donations, he said, help to alleviate food insecurity and “bring relief to families when eviction moratoriums end and people lose their homes.”

“You can bring peace of mind and safe refuge to individuals…with your help and our assistance programs we can continue to provide help to our neighbors in need,” he said.

“For 160 years, the Salvation Army has spread joy to all who feel lost. While many people in our communities are quietly battling hunger, homelessness, addiction and hardship, we can find joy in the fact that giving is a source of joy for all, both the recipient, but also for the giver,” George added.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
The Pendel Brass Ensemble plays Christmas music during the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.

During the breakfast, the appointment of four new advisory boards was announced. They are Williams G. Ertle, Christine Sleboda, Jonathan W. Wood and Joshua L. Phillips.

For more information about ways to volunteer or donate, visit the Salvation Army online at pa.salvationarmy.org/williamsport-pa