Norwich Salvation Army to launch Red Kettle drive Friday

The Norwich Salvation Army will launch its annual Red Kettle fund drive later this week at local supermarkets in the city and in surrounding towns.

The effort raises money to run numerous programs and daily operations for the nonprofit agency.

Lt. Cheryl McCollum, who took over as commander of the Norwich Salvation Army in August, is preparing for her first signature kettle drive that will start Friday outside supermarkets both within and well outside the agency’s coverage area of Norwich, Preston and Griswold. Donations also can be sent by text to 71777 or at the virtual kettle online at the agency’s website, bit.ly/NorwichSA.

Using the $48,100 raised last year during the Norwich agency’s kettle drive, McCollum set this year’s goal at $50,000 to $55,000, noting “there’s tremendous need.”

Starting Friday, Norwich Salvation Army red kettles will be stationed outside the Norwich, Montville, Dayville and Colchester Stop & Shop supermarkets, the Lisbon and Norwich Walmart stores and the Lisbon and Plainfield Better Valu stores.

McCollum is seeking additional paid kettle workers and volunteers to fill the bell-ringing shifts this year. Paid workers receive the minimum wage, $10.10 per hour for six-hour shifts. Volunteers will be used to fill gaps and cover shorter periods, McCollum said.

“Volunteers are always helpful,” she said. “I will take 15 minutes if you want to give it.”

She promises to “take good care of my kettle workers and volunteers,” providing them with lunches and snacks during the kettle drive.

The Salvation Army also is looking for local businesses and groups to host “Angel Trees,” which feature gift requests for individuals and families, and for groups to sponsor client families for the holidays. Angel Trees will be set up at local Dime Bank and Eastern Savings Bank branches and at Plas-Pak Industries, Inc. in the Norwich Business Park.

The drive will be operated through the Salvation Army’s main location at 169 Franklin St., Norwich. For information on the kettle drive or Angel Tree program or to apply to be a kettle drive worker or volunteer, contact McCollum at the Salvation Army at (860) 8892329 or (860) 478-8276.