Salvation Army Kicks Off Annual Red Kettle Campaign at The Highlands
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TRIADELPHIA -- The Salvation Army's annual kettle drive kicked off Saturday, and a well-known local family has accepted the mission of getting out the Salvation Army's message of need to the public this year.
The Contraguerro family of Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration was announced as this year's chair-family for the fundraiser during a "Red Kettle Kick-Off" event outside Cabela's at The Highlands on Saturday.
The local Salvation Army's goal is to raise $70,000 this year in Ohio and Marshall counties.
"The work they do is just spectacular," said Bob Contraguerro, founder of Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration. "It's unbelievable how much they contribute to the community at this time of year. All year long they do good.
"I was honored they asked me to do this, and I hope we have a successful campaign this year."
His son Josh Contraguerro, vice president of marketing at Panhandle, said he wanted to help out the Salvation Army because he associates the group with fond holiday memories.
"It takes me back to when you are a kid and Mom or Dad will give you a quarter or a dime to throw in the kettle," he said.
"It's great to be part of it and part of the tradition of raising money for those in need."
Capt. Mark VanMeter of the Salvation Army in Wheeling said nearly 600 local children are helped each holiday season by the Salvation Army.
"The Salvation Army is the hands and feet of donors in our community who want to love their neighbor in the best way possible," he explained.
Capt. Jennifer VanMeter spoke of the Salvation Army's "Christmas Angel" program, in which names of local children in need are hung on the branches and selected by those in the community wanting to help them. They shop for the items the children say are their Christmas wish.
Angel trees can be found in Ohio County at Walmart, JCPenney, and The Highlands Sports Complex. Walmarts in Marshall County and Wetzel County also have angel trees, she said.