n Kettle campaign underway

From staff reports

Chickasaw Journal

HOUSTON - The Salvation Army kettle campaign got a jump-start on Nov. 8 as Bells Across America brought attention to the quest of the organization to help the less fortunate. Every Wal-Mart and Sam's Club in the United States participated in the kettle kick-off, enlisting volunteers to ring the bells and collect donations to be used to assist others.

Members of the Exchange Club manned the kettle in Houston, soliciting donations and visiting with friends and neighbors to start the season of giving off right.

Kettles coming out Nov. 24

Following a short break, the kettles came out in earnest beginning Nov. 24 at Grocer's Pride. Nov. 27 will see the kettles return to Wal-Mart, as well. Both locations will have kettles Monday through Saturday and volunteers are needed to man the sites.

"When we don't have enough people volunteer, we have to hire people to work," said Salvation Army director, Tricia Finn. "That cuts out of the money we can use to help people."

The kettle campaign will go on through Christmas Eve, but the affects will last year-round. The main fund raising activity of the Salvation Army provided funding to assist the needy for the next year.

To volunteer with the Salvation Army, call 456-0070 or stop by the store on West Washington Street.