Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign aims to fill big need

Nov. 13—As the Salvation Army Scranton Corps prepares to launch another Red Kettle campaign on Tuesday, the organization seeks more bell ringers to collect much-needed donations.

For Madeline Cotto, 44, of Scranton, the decision to help out was an easy one.

She was inspired by the generosity and compassion shown by the group — specifically Steven Oaten — after relocating from New York nearly five years ago.

"I moved here with six children, two beds and no food and no money," Cotto said. "This was the first place that gave us hope. Steve filled our hands with food, but it was more hope than anything. He opened up our souls to faith."

Cotto quickly decided to repay the favor and has been volunteering for about four years.

"What (Steve) did for me and my children, I come here and give my time to spread the word," she said.

She feels there is a lot to gain by helping others who are going through a difficult time.

"You leave with a different space in your mind and soul," Cotto said. "You see the world in a different color. It's amazing when you have the opportunity to help another person just by words, because not everyone lives with another person and sometimes people leave their houses not just for food, but to be seen by another human."

The Salvation Army began paying bell ringers a starting hourly rate of $7.50 last year, with those with experience eligible for more, and plans to continue the incentive to potentially attract more workers.

Anyone interested in participating should call the main office at 570-344-9878.

Captain Neil Childs expressed the dire need for additional people to lend a hand, especially on weekdays.

"We're fortunate that we have eight kettle workers this year, so far, and we're hoping to bring on a whole lot more," he said. "We have lots of service clubs who want to help on Saturdays, but the rest of the week is a bit of a struggle."

The campaign will kick off at various locations this week, including Big Lots, Boscov's, Hobby Lobby, Price Chopper, ShopRite and the Viewmont Mall, and run through Christmas Eve, with most bell ringers collecting donations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or noon to 6 p.m. at about 15 different businesses.

Oaten, the kettle coordinator for 10 years, has watched the requests for assistance continue to increase.

The local corps anticipates providing more than 1,200 children with gifts at Christmas and helping close to 400 families with a meal for Thanksgiving.

"It seems like the need gets greater every year," Oaten said.

After the Scranton Corps raised about $153,000 last year, Childs is shooting for another $150,000 in 2022.

"We've had a lot of people come up for Christmas assistance already, and for Thanksgiving assistance," he said. "We're expecting it to continue."

Contact the writer:

rtomkavage@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131;

@rtomkavage on Twitter.