Carrying on the red kettle tradition

The Rev. Mary Hendricks, rector at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, rings the Salvation Army bell to attract attention to the familiar red kettle last December at Walmart. The kettles and bell-ringers will reappear Saturday, Dec, 12 through Thursday, Dec. 24, at Walmart and other locations in McCook. (Dawn Cribbs/McCook Daily Gazette) [Click to enlarge]

The familiar red kettles, that will soon be in place at Walmart, Alco and Schmick's Market, were born of a desperate need in 1891.

It was then that Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee agonized over the many poor individuals in San Francisco that were going hungry. He resolved that during the holiday season, he would see to it that a free Christmas dinner would be provided for the destitute and poverty-stricken. How to fund this generosity was a problem that kept him up night after night -- worry plaguing him even as he prayed.

Then he remembered "Simpson's Pot" a large, iron kettle at Stage Landing in Liverpool, England, where passers-by could drop in a coin or two to help the poor.

He set a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing, at the foot of Market Street, with a sign that read "Keep the pot boiling," and soon had the money to fund his Christmas dinner project.

The idea spread from the West Coast to Boston within six years' time and today the tradition continues across the nation and all across the world. Everywhere, public contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue year-round efforts to help the poor, whether with food, fuel, utility costs or temporary housing.

The kettles are as familiar as the need, especially as the country continues to struggle with high unemployment, rising prices and reduced buying power. They will return to the local landscape Saturday, for the annual fund raising effort.

According to the Rev. Jon Albrecht, who is coordinating the local bell-ringing effort, 95 percent of the funds raised in the area are used here throughout the year.

And, according to the Rev. Clark Bates, Salvation Army coordinator, the organization saw an increase in need during 2009, with funds going toward utility bills, fuel, transportation and overnight lodging for transients and stranded travelers. When the fiscal year ended in September, in fact, all funds raised had been expended.

"The need is there. The kettles need to be there," said Albrecht, who is actively seeking bell-ringers for the project.

"We have openings throughout the holiday season," he said. Bell-ringing is scheduled 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m.-9 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays beginning Dec. 12 through Dec. 24.

"We will also have kettles in place at Alco on Dec. 12, from 11 a.m-5 p.m., and at Schmick's Market Saturday, Dec. 19, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Plans are moving forward to have three "counter kettles" at the Chief Restaurant, Taste of Texas and Sehnert's Bakery and Bieroc Cafe as well.

Individuals, clubs, church groups, youth groups, are all welcome to sign up to ring for an hour, two or longer.

"We have two or three volunteers who ring bells for up to 10 hours," said Bates. Some couples tag-team, especially when the weather is foul, with one manning the kettle for 15-20 minutes while the other gets warm inside the store, he said, adding, "Whatever works, as long as someone is manning the kettle."

"The people in this area are so generous," said Albrecht. "But if the kettle isn't there, they lose the opportunity to give."

To sign up for bell ringing, contact McCook Christian Church at 345-1516. To contribute directly to the Salvation Army, contact Bates, also at 345-1516.