Bellringers still needed

In conjunction with the serious need for bell ringers this year, The Salvation Army has initiated a Kettle of Honor Program.

"It's a way of saying thank-you or honoring an individual who goes beyond the call; and at the same time, helping The Salvation Army raise needed funds for important services," announced cd Rick Damore, field representative of The Salvation Army's Service Unit areas in Monroe and Orleans Counties. The Salvation Army provides assistance in 200 smaller communities in Upstate New York through its Service Unit Volunteer Committees.

In the Kettle of Honor Program, an organization or group selects an individual to honor - a hard worker, a beloved parent or grandparent, a kind neighbor, a giving volunteer or a respected supervisor. The group, family or individual reserves a Red Kettle for a day during the Holiday Season and prepares a special sign with the honoree's name and reason for the honor. Those honoring the individual take turns during that day to ring the bells at the Kettle of Honor.

All money raised at the Kettle of Honor is given to the Army in the name of the honoree for emergency assistance programs and other local services. The members of the group can also choose to make an additional donation on behalf of the honoree, if they would like.

For more information, to reserve a Kettle of Honor, or to volunteer as a bell ringer, call The Red Kettle Center anytime toll free at 1-877-733-6041. People can also register as bell ringers and for the Kettle of Honor on-line at www.redkettles.org.