Salvation Army kettle campaign starting Saturday

The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it comes a spirit of giving.

The Salvation Army of Graham is getting set to begin its annual red kettle campaign in an effort to raise funds to help others.

Starting Saturday, Nov. 16 and continuing Monday through Saturday until Tuesday, Dec. 24, volunteers will be stationed at two locations in Graham, ready to receive charitable donations to support the Salvation Army’s efforts.

The first location a bellringer will be stationed is at Walmart beginning this Saturday. The second location will be outside United Supermarkets starting the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29.

The organization is also hoping to have a spot set up on the downtown square for people to give during the annual Christmas stroll which will be held beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.

Barbara Bobbitt recently took over the position of kettle coordinator for the Salvation Army in Graham, and she’s been working hard to prepare for this giving season.

“I’ve been contacting people and trying to arrange to visit with different organizations and try to get bell ringers,” Bobbitt said. “...I rang the bell the past several years, and I have grandchildren, (that have helped me) ring the bell, and they have fun; we all have fun.”

Bobbitt is currently in the process of reaching out to and assigning volunteers for bellringing shifts. Each shift lasts no longer than two hours, and anyone interested may reach out to Bobbitt at 940-456-0275.

The bellringing campaign is a seasonal fundraiser, but all the money raised helps the organization provide aid throughout the year.

“Everybody has a hard time in their life. They lose their job, they have a huge utility bill, they have appliances go out, car breaks down, something happens, and they need help. So that’s what the Salvation Army is for,” Bobbitt said. “They help with providing, paying utility bills or even rent.”

While the Salvation Army is a worldwide organization, 100% of the funds collected through the kettle campaign go directly back into Graham and Young County. It’s something that Bobbitt is proud of regarding the charity work provided in this community.

“All the money raised here from the kettles, it stays here,” Bobbitt said. “It doesn’t go nationwide. It certainly doesn’t go to pay some CEO’s huge salary.”

Bobbitt has seen firsthand how the kettle campaign can benefit someone in need. In her time as a bellringer and through her other charitable work, she’s been blessed with opportunities to help others, particularly with providing fundraised money.

“There was a situation recently where I took a check to help cover someone’s rent at a local hotel while they got back on their feet, and I got to visit the person,” she said. “Super rewarding. It’s really nice to have a face to who you’re helping.”

With the end of year holidays comes a time of giving, and the Salvation Army is hoping citizens of Young County will be able to help. In her personal experience, though, Bobbitt knows how generous this community can be, and she expressed appreciation for it.

“People are very generous. This is the best community you could ever ask for,” Bobbitt said. “Anytime someone is down and they need help, the community just swarms in to help. So it’s great. This is the best place ever.”