The Red Kettle Drive

It’s that time of year, as we get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. A time to reach out to those in need. And reach out we do, with gifts for children and food for those in need. But, it has to be more than just meeting a need. There has to be  hope.

There will always be charitable organizations to  provide food and other necessities after the holidays. But, what we do during that season of giving can help others find a sense of hope that is real and tangible in their lives

The  Salvation Army has their Red Kettle Drive during the Christmas season. I was tasked with coordinating the drive for one grocery store. I needed to get volunteers to ring the bell from Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The volunteers could work as many or as few hours as they wanted to. I made the need known in our church bulletin. The response was not as robust as I thought it would be.

But those who felt called to help were truly blessed by the experience. It wasn’t all about the money being put in the kettle, it was about reaching out and making a connection with those who needed hope. Romans 15:13  “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Time and time again I heard of a bell ringer praying with someone or listening to what was going on in their lives. They reached out with kindness and with the love of Christ to those for whom the holidays may be a time of sorrow or anxiety. It was a blessing for both those ringing the bell and for those who were the recipients of God’s amazing love. 

As a result of doing God’s will and stepping out of our comfort zone we can and will impact our community. We are called to serve. Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

When people see the love of Christ being shown openly, many feel compelled to respond by giving of their time or finances. I had a couple individuals who talked with my wife Mary, who is a bell ringer and said, they wanted to help. 

As for the charitable contributions, I can only say that our community has been very gracious in what they have given to the Red Kettle Drive. 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Let me end by saying that the Salvation Army is not just a charitable organization, they are the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior. You don’t have to be a member of “their church” to serve. Because “we are the church”, and we are one body in Christ. 

If you would like to volunteer here in Delaware you can contact them at: