Red Kettles Bring Out the Best in Community
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WHEELING -- A young boy with a generous heart gave up $200 of his own money to help strangers this holiday season.
The youngster, who remains anonymous, dropped $200 in dollar coins into a Salvation Army red kettle located in front of the Hobby Lobby store at The Highlands on Tuesday. According to Capt. Mark Van Meter at Wheeling's Salvation Army, the boy did not give his name, but his mother said he had been saving the money for more than a year.
"We don't know the back story," Van Meter said. "I don't know if he saved up his allowance or if he had birthday money, but this was a very generous boy. Our kettle volunteer said he appeared to be about 12 years old."
Van Meter said during a time when people are out of work and some businesses are struggling, the Ohio Valley has stepped up to ensure the annual Red Kettle Drive remains strong. He said a call for volunteers was sent out to all the members of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. While the response has been positive, there are still opportunities for individuals, families or organizations to volunteer their time at kettle locations throughout the area. Anyone wishing to volunteer can call Van Meter at 304-233-4400.
Van Meter pointed out two volunteers who are retirees giving of their time.
Donna Davis of Valley Grove said she enjoys being outside, greeting the public and giving back to the community.
"When my mother was a girl, her family lost everything in a house fire. She told me the only one to help was the Salvation Army. I look at this as my chance to give back for what the Salvation Army did for my mother's family.
Davis mans the kettle in front of Hobby Lobby four days a week. While she has donated monetarily to the kettle drive, Van Meter said her volunteer hours are worth even more.
Another retiree, Gib Lamb of Wheeling, also has stepped up and volunteers three days a week at the kettle in front of the Mount de Chantal Kroger store. He told Van Meter he could write a check but felt giving his time too was just as important. Van Meter agrees.
"It reminds me of the Bible story — the Widow's Mite. It's not so much about the value of the coins but the gesture of the heart," Van Meter commented.
Van Meter said he was contacted by a man who wanted to involve his family in the kettle drive. So on Christmas Eve, he and his three children ring bells for the kettle. He told Van Meter it is a new family tradition that brings them all joy.
As of Thursday, the Salvation Army Red Kettle drive had collected $24,042 locally. Its goal is $45,000.
Van Meter said there also is an opportunity to double your donations. A Gold Kettle, sponsored by ASAP Auto, the Wheeling Nailers and Vic Greco, principal architect with the Mills Group, will be in place at various locations at The Highlands on Saturday, Dec. 12 and 19 and on Christmas Eve. All donations made to the Gold Kettle will be matched by the sponsors.