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<\/p>\nKAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY\/Sun-Gazette
\nLt. Colonel Edgar George, Jr. delivers remarks during the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.<\/p>\n
The sounds of Christmas carols greeted guests at the Salvation Army\u2019s 7th annual Red Kettle Breakfast which kicks off the season and also represents a major fundraising event for the non-profit. <\/p>\n
The Salvation Army\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY\/Sun-Gazette
\nLt. Colonel Edgar George, Jr. delivers remarks during the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Bible instructs us that when you\u2019re blessed\u2026you are to pass those blessings on to others and that\u2019s what this event is all about,\u201d Bennett said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 <\/p>\n
adopted\u201dThe Joy of Giving\u201d for this year\u2019s Christmas theme. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re asking each one of you to join with us in bringing joy to families who are experiencing poverty, hunger, job loss and more,\u201d George said. <\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY\/Sun-Gazette
\nMajor Sheryl Hershey speaks during the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m aware that the request for assistance won\u2019t surprise you, is on the rise. In fact, our volunteers, (and) our employees are struggling to keep up with all the requests,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n
He pointed out that these are the day-to-day requests even before the holiday assistance programs begin. <\/p>\n
\u201cWih government cuts increasing; increasing inflation and growing unemployment rates, it\u2019s no wonder that requests for assistance are at an all time high,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut this is where you come in. This is where our friends and supporters come in, because many of our neighbors have lost jobs. They\u2019ve lost their child care, some of them have lost their homes,\u201d he continued. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY\/Sun-Gazette
\nA Salvation Army Red Kettle buckets sits at the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the hardest working families in our communities \u2014 some might even be your neighbors, people that you know, that you work with and live next to \u2014 they are facing difficult decisions,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAdults 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 \u2014 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,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n
Donations, he said, help to alleviate food insecurity and \u201cbring relief to families when eviction moratoriums end and people lose their homes.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cYou can bring peace of mind and safe refuge to individuals\u2026with your help and our assistance programs we can continue to provide help to our neighbors in need,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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,\u201d George added. <\/p>\n
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KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY\/Sun-Gazette
\nThe Pendel Brass Ensemble plays Christmas music during the 7th annual Red Kettle Kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning in Williamsport.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
For more information about ways to volunteer or donate, visit the Salvation Army online at pa.salvationarmy.org\/williamsport-pa<\/p>\n
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