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LEWISTOWN -- The Salvation Army has had an extensive history when it comes to helping those in need. Major Frederick Clark of the Salvation Army of Lewistown continues to keep that tradition alive.
The Red Kettle drive came into existence in 1891, spearheaded by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee, in hopes the effort would help feed poor individuals living in San Francisco. Captain McFee reminisced on his sailor days in Liverpool, England. His thoughts drifted to a time at Stage Landing, where the boats came in, where there was a large, iron kettle called "Simpson's Pot" where passers-by tossed spare change to help the needy.
The following day, Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read "Keep the Pot Boiling." Soon enough, Captain McFee had the money to aid those in need to be properly fed at Christmas.
Since then, the campaign has become a worldwide effort. On the local level, the money raised is replenished and stays within Mifflin County, used to support residents with needs throughout the course of the following year. These needs can include food, emergency assistance, among other necessities -- and of course, in true holiday spirit, festive things like Christmas baskets.
This year, Major Clark has an ambitious goal. "We are hoping to raise around $50,000. Right now, we are around $37,849. Pretty close."
For individuals interested in donating to the cause, stop by the red kettles at the Walmart doors or, on Saturdays, head on out to Hobby Lobby in Burnham to contribute. Dec. 23 marks the end of this year's kettle efforts, but the donations don't have to come to an end when the holidays are over.
Major Clark encourages generous givers to stop by the Salvation Army, located at 9 South Dorcas Street in Lewistown, and make a donation in the kettle that is in the lobby. Food and/or monetary donations are appreciated and can be collected throughout the entire year.
"We'll make that money last until the end of 2024. We will stretch that through, but we are always, always, always in need. There are more people that (are in) need that we can really assist," Major Clark said.
For those who are brave enough to brace the frigid weather, the Salvation Army is open to volunteers for bell ringers.
Major Clark is hopeful that more volunteers will come forward to bundle up and set aside a block of their time for a good cause. "We always face challenges as far as getting people to ring the bell, volunteers for that. Out of all the things, that is the hardest to do ... (to volunteer), they would just need to call me ... I would encourage them to get a group together where they're only ringing the bell for maybe an hour and somebody takes over (a shift)."
According to the Salvation Army website, the campaign assists more than 4.5 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods. Every contribution to Salvation Army kettles, big or small, enables the organization to continue its mission of being of service to those in need, all the while providing hope and spreading holiday cheer to all.
To learn more about the Salvation Army, check out www.salvationarmyusa.org or pay a visit to the local Salvation Army office.