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Our Upper Ohio Valley is filled with opportunities to give to those in need during the holidays. One of the simplest -- and most effective -- ways to give is through the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign, which kicked off locally this past weekend at The Highlands, bringing with it the sounds of ringing bells and joyful hearts.
Giving is simple: when you see a kettle ringer, just reach into your pocket and drop a dollar or two, or some change.
That total will add up over the next month and allow the Salvation Army's local chapters to truly make a difference.
"The kettle season helps us support our Christmas and Thanksgiving giving, which we will take care of 1,100 people for those holidays this year," said Salvation Army of Wheeling Corps Officer Lt. John Lawrence. "We're also taking care of about 500 children in our agency program, so the money raised during this time of the year will help us later into the summer months, when we don't have as much volunteer time again."
Volunteers -- that's another important aspect of the red kettle campaign. The Salvation Army always is in need of more help during the holidays.
Ohio County Schools is getting more involved with the kettle drive this year, as Assistant Superintendent of Schools Rick Jones, during his first year on the board, is getting the Wheeling Park High School football team and other student organizations involved in bell ringing. If done right, this could turn into an effective competition for student-volunteer groups as to who can receive the most donations.
"I'm just going to try to be that link between the Salvation Army and the school district to try to get as many people as we can to help," Jones said.
This year's Red Kettle campaign chair is Dr. Ricardo Zambito who actually has placed a red kettle inside his office. Any donations made there will be matched in an effort to help in "Doing the Most Good."
That's what it's really all about during the holidays. We all understand that it is better to give than to receive. Give as you can to help those in need.