Write a commentLts. Cassidy and Michael Dow met recently with the Oswego County Salvation Army Advisory Board and issued a call for members of the community to volunteer to stand with the Salvation Army kettles during the upcoming Christmas season.
The kettles will be located at many businesses and gathering places around the county through December 24, Monday through Saturday, usually 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers generally stand for one or two-hour shifts or longer if they wish.
Donations received in the kettles are a major source of the support for the work of the Army all through the year. Unfortunately, the need for hot meals and groceries and other necessities grows larger each year, especially among families with young children. So, there is a compelling need to reach the goal.
The goal this year is to raise $75,000 via the kettles. About $20,000 has been received thus far this year. If we raise more that $70,000, the amount above that will be matched by a donor.
Standing with a kettle is a very meaningful way to participate in the spirit of the season of giving for individuals, families, neighbors, businesses, clubs, and church groups. Volunteering is a gift to yourself and your community. Any group of parishioners, friends, co-workers, club members, and the like can stop at the Center for Worship and Service, 73 West Second Street, Oswego, to get a list of available kettles that need bell ringers. Questions will be answered at (315) 343-6491.
And please be as generous as you can be whenever you see one of the Christmas kettles. Members of the Advisory Board were at the kettle at Fulton Price Chopper on November 26 and will be at the Oswego Price Chopper on December 13.
The tradition of using a soup pot to collect money for people in need arrived in San Francisco from England in 1891, when sea Captain Joseph McFee used it to raise money to provide Christmas dinner for the poor. From there the practice spread across the country to help fund the many ministries of The Salvation Army throughout the year and give people of means an opportunity to express gratitude for their wellbeing.
Locally, there is also a need for donated turkeys and hams for the Christmas food baskets that will be distributed a few days before Christmas. Also, Christmas dinner will be served on December 24 at the Center for Worship and Service, 73 West Second Street, Oswego.
Persons wishing to stand with a kettle or to offer other assistance to the Army are invited to call (315) 343-6491 or stop at the office at 73 West Second Street in Oswego, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
