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Released 20 November 2008
Holiday season brings out heart of donors
November 20, 2008
It's worth noting the Plymouth Salvation Army Corps kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign - the corps' biggest fund-raiser and key financial provider - on Monday.
Of course, the Salvation Army isn't the only group helping the needy during the upcoming holiday season. Rotary, Kiwanis, Goodfellows, Lions and a variety of other organizations are doing their best to make sure the less fortunate are able to enjoy a nice holiday.
The Salvation Army campaign is noteworthy for a couple of reasons. First, it is perhaps the most recognizable fund-raiser out there, what with volunteers standing next to the big red kettles, drawing donors in with the rhythmic notes of the golden bells.
Less obvious is the more important note the kettle campaign is sounding this year: One of desperate need in an oppressive economy. In an area so dependent not just on the Big Three auto companies, but on ancillary suppliers as well, the struggles of the industry are hitting hard.
Here's a fact: A good number of the people in our area (the Salvation Army covers Plymouth, Canton, Northville and Belleville) who have in the past made significant donations to the Salvation Army are now the ones coming through the door needing significant help from the Salvation Army.
That's how much the need in our community has increased. That's how pivotal drives such as the Red Kettle Campaign can be. Programs like this - and any of the other drives, fund-raisers and campaigns run by countless civic, church, school and neighborhood organizations - are literally life-savers.
The Salvation Army has set a lofty goal for their campaign Ð $235,000, up from the $206,000 they raised a year ago. Teresa Moriarty, the volunteer coordinator for the Plymouth Salvation Army, says she's concerned about the need for volunteer bell ringers. Weekends are pretty well taken care of, but midweek ringers are still needed (go to www.ringbells.org or call (734) 453-5464 to volunteer). Volunteering is another way of helping - not just the Salvation Army but all the other groups, as well - if you don't think you can afford to drop some cash in the kettle.
Moriarty, however, notes times of economic downturn, of financial hardship, often bring out the best in donors. When they can feel something of the pinch themselves, people tend to be more giving.
Moriarty has history on her side, and so she won't be surprised when the Salvation Army tops its goal.
Given the generosity of this community, of course, neither will we.