By Staff
The Salvation Armybegins collection drive in Washington
By CLAUD HODGES
Newsroom Manager
When the bells are ringing, The Salvation Army hopes people will fill its kettles with donations for the organization’s 2008 Red Kettle Campaign.
The fundraising operation started Friday at 10 a.m. at six locations in Washington and one site in Williamston.
The 2007 campaign raised $33,698.81.
Whittaker manned the kettle at the food-side entrance at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Washington. Joining him were Alma and Stan Friedman, members of The Salvation Army Advisory Board, and Washington Mayor Judy Meier Jennette.
Funds raised during the kettle drive will be used to provide food, clothing and gifts to needy families in the area, Whittaker said. Donations also will be used to assist families in economic crisis with some living expenses such as utility bills.
Whittaker said kettle sites will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except during adverse weather conditions. The kettle sites will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Sundays. The fundraising drive ends at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve.
Another kettle site at Wal-Mart is at the other main entrance to the store. Other kettle sites in Washington are at the two Piggly Wiggly grocery stores (West 15th Street and River Road), the Dollar Tree and Belk’s department store. In Williamston, a kettle is located at the Wal-Mart.
According to Whittaker, area groups manning the kettles this year include Harvest Church, Beaufort County Department of Social Services, Old Ford Ruritan Club, St. John’s Church Beautification Committee, U.S. Sail and Power Squadron, First Christian Church, Washington Noon Rotary Club, Washington Evening Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Down East Seniors, Moose Lodge, Bunyan Ruritan Club, N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Key Women of America, Bath Christian Church, Pamlico Plantation, First South Bank, PCS Phosphate, Cypress Landing Women’s Club, Beaufort County Community College staff and students, Graceway Community Church, Red Men’s Lodge, Spring Garden Missionary Baptist Church and National Spinning Company.