By Kathy Marsh,
Correspondent
MIDDLEBURG --The Salvation Army Red kettle has been a part of the Christmas season since 1891.
Public contributions to the kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless.
It takes more than a kettle on a stand, and this is where volunteers play such a vital role. Whether as an individual, or from a church or organization, the Christmas cheer and wishes displayed by Clay County volunteers can raise shopper spirits and encourage giving.
On a recent December morning, mother and daughter team Julie Masterson and Janet Anguas greeted shoppers outside the Fleming Island Walmart next to a Salvation Army Red Kettle. With their warm smiles and cheerful hellos, these ladies seemed pleased to be part of the Army of volunteers whose jingling bells signal us to remember others less fortunate.
Masterson said that New Grace Church, where she and her mother are members, encouraged their congregation to “do for others during the holidays” and provided a sign up sheet for those who wished to volunteer.
This was their second year to participate and while donations seemed down a little from last year, they were pleased to be hearing plenty of shoppers saying “Good Morning” and “Merry Christmas.”
Joann Coggins enjoyed her first year as a volunteer at the grocery end of the same Walmart.
She said she was pleased to donate her time because “the Salvation Army is such a good organization and a lot of people are in need this year.”
She heard a lot of positive responses from shoppers, as well as some sad stories. Coggins said one woman told her “pray for me, I just got laid off” as she dropped $5 into the kettle.
Several who donated said that even though times were tough for them, there was “always someone worse off” and they wanted to give something. Coggin’s wish was that “Everyone has a safe and happy holiday!”
Veteran bell ringer Catherine Smith stood with her kettle at the Fleming Island Publix in her fourth year representing 2020 Moose Lodge.
She volunteers with various organizations year-round because she “can’t stand to be idle.”
Smith said she just completed helping with a bazaar at Grace Episcopal and is active with the Clay County Women for Education who work to raise funds for scholarships.
Although it seemed more change than bills was being dropped into the kettle this year, she says that whatever people are able to give is appreciated.
As far as the Christmas spirit, “Most people are cheerful, but I find if I speak to those who look sad, most will answer.”
She personally writes a check twice a year to the Salvation Army because “they do so much good for those in need.”
At the Orange Park Winn-Dixie, Jack Welkenbach can be found twice a week until Christmas sitting next to a Salvation Army red kettle. His likeness to the jolly man in the red suit is not lost on children who greet him as “Santa Claus” as they accompany their parents grocery shopping.
This is his fifth year as a bell ringer.
He coordinated the schedule for members of his Orange Park Masonic Lodge to volunteer their time. Even though the Masons work hard to support their own charities, like children’s hospitals for burn victims, they believe in the work that the Salvation Army does.
Welkenbach said they donate their time so someone doesn’t have to be paid to do it.
To find out more about the Salvation Army, visit: www.salvationarmyusa.org
