Red Kettle offers hope to those less fortunate

ASHEBORO — It was a celebration with bells ringing and the Asheboro High School Jazz Ensemble providing upbeat music. It was the kickoff of the Red Kettle Campaign by the Salvation Army of Asheboro.

The kickoff was held Nov. 20 at the Salvation Army Family Thrift Store in conjunction with the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber After Hours.

There was a ribbon cutting and the first official donation by Faylene Whitaker of Whitaker Farms, who said, “We always do anything to help the community. It’s what Whitaker Farms is recognized for. The Salvation Army is a big part of our community.”

Underlying the party atmosphere was the reason for the Red Kettle Campaign — helping those in need. The familiar kettles are seen around town as collection sites for people’s change, bills, checks and even QR code smartphone payments.

Major Chris Lyles, commander of the Asheboro Salvation Army, said the campaign began in 1891 when Capt. Joseph McFee saw a need and was looking for a way to raise money.

“He found a big black pot” to collect donations, Lyles said. “The black pot has been transitioned to the red kettle.”

Lyles said the Red Kettle Campaign has become an important part of the Salvation Army’s mission to help people with needs. “It goes to support the Salvation Army beyond Christmas (such as Angel Tree gifts for children). It helps with food, rent, utilities.”

Major Lyles told of a single mother with two children who lost her job and then faced higher-than-normal utility bills. Money from the red kettles were able to help her pay her bills.

“The money raised goes far beyond what people think,” he said. “It has a big impact on the community.”

Capt. Elisa Lyles talked about a boy with cancer whose treatments flooded his family with medical bills. With red kettle funds, they are able to receive food assistance every month.

During a ceremony inside the Thrift Store, Capt. Lyles said bell ringers are already out with their red kettles. And the Angel Tree program has the names of 881 children. She encouraged everyone to take the name of a child from an Angel Tree and shop for Christmas gifts for that child.

Major Lyles called the Red Kettle Campaign “a cause that’s near and dear to all our hearts. It’s work that’s needed more than ever. We can’t do it without you.”

The kettles represent hope, care and the coming together of the community, Major Lyles said. Money raised helps people here in the community have food and pay their rent or utility bills.

“In the darkness of their struggles, they find a helping hand,” he said. “Every little bit matters. Your spare change can mean someone has a meal. It’s small in size but it’s a tidal wave of change. We can be the difference.”

Major Lyles continued: “When we reach out to those who struggle, we’re sending a message that we see you, we care for you, we’re here for you. 

“Keep in mind the spirit of giving,” he said. “Your efforts make a difference.”

Eddie Burks, who serves on the Salvation Army board, demonstrated giving by dropping coins, bills and checks into the red kettle. Then he showed how you can donate with your smartphone by focusing on a QR code on a sign above the kettle. He said giving can feed a family, buy Christmas presents or pay electric bills.

“You can also give of your time ringing the bell,” Burks said. “You can give your time, your talent and your treasure.”

The Salvation Army Thrift Store is located at 472 E. Dixie Drive, Asheboro.