That familiar red kettle and ringing bell are back at Haines stores this holiday season. But before you pass by without a thought, that shiny bucket is the Salvation Army’s main money-maker.

“A lot of what we earn from the kettle is what keeps us afloat throughout the whole year,” said Lieutenant Kevin Woods.

The Salvation Army is one of many goodwill organizations that dedicates time, money and services to helping local people in need.

Woods said some of the money from the kettle goes to supplement the work the organization does for Christmas, but most of it goes into a general fund beyond the holiday season.

Salvation Army also has custodial accounts to help send kids to camp and fund emergency transportation or other services, Woods said.

The Salvation Army will partner with the Uglys of Haines “Gifts for Grub” toy drive this year. Woods said he will go with the Uglys to distribute the toys to local families.

Woods also distributes about 45 food, or “commodity,” boxes to families in need on the last Thursday of every month. He said that will be bumped up to 60 boxes distributed on Dec. 22 before Christmas. The Salvation Army purchases the food from the Food Bank of Alaska in Anchorage and local stores.

There is a kettle at Howsers IGA and four small counter kettles: two at Olerud’s Market, one at the Moose Caboose Café and one at the Salvation Army thrift store. There are also two boxes at Howsers IGA to donate nonperishable food items and toys.

Woods said he stills needs volunteers who can ring the bell at Howsers IGA to collect donations. He said the kettle is often more successful when it is manned by a donor’s neighbor or friend.

“The one thing I love about Haines is the community gets behind things like this,” Woods said. “The community just really helps us out a lot.”

To volunteer or make a donation, call the thrift store at 766-2470.

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