Salvation Army holiday kettles impacted by COVID-19

(ALBANY, GA) – For Patricia Cruse, this marks seven years that she’s been out, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army during the holiday season, and much like other aspects of life, this too has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She tells us, “This year has been very dramatic with us with COVID going on this year. But people have been good to us so far with donating money…”

The iconic red kettles are unfortunately one of the latest efforts to be hit by the pandemic, with the Salvation Army behind on their annual goals by several thousand dollars.

Though Captain James Sullivan believes that in tough times, the community is helping all that they can.

“COVID is playing a vital role in the fund raising with the kettles this year. People are giving, so I don’t look at it as a negative, because people are doing the best they can under the circumstances,” says Captain Sullivan.

After getting a head start because of the pandemic, people volunteering like Patricia are serving an auxiliary purpose.

Not only are they trying to help get donations for the Salvation Army, but in Patricia’s case, she’s hoping that she can help be that bright spot in a rough year for everyone.

“When i dress up like this, and I go out of my way to volunteer, I do it because of the people, regardless of the COVID-19. We can do it, we just need as much support as we can get.”

While they are still behind, the salvation army and bell ringers like patricia are still optimistic with only a couple of weeks left until Christmas.