HAVERHILL — Once again, Haverhill's service clubs have stepped up to help the Salvation Army carry out its annual kettle fund-raising drive.
The Salvation Army bell ringers, of course, are a very familiar sight when Christmas is right around the corner. You see them outside supermarkets, post offices and other public places, standing by the red kettles, ringing the bells in their quest for donations.
The kettle drive is essential to the Salvation Army's mission, according to Lt. Jeff Hardy, head of the local church. The money raised by the ringers buys toys for kids at Christmas as well as food for the Salvation Army meals program and pantry for the less fortunate.
The Exchange Club, Rotary, Kiwanis and City Council have all volunteered to help ring in help for the needy, Hardy said.
Members of Haverhill Kiwanis, led by Peter Carbone, manned the kettles this past Saturday. The Exchange Club will do the honors next Saturday.
It will be Rotary's turn Dec. 5, Pentucket Kiwanis will be out in force Dec. 12 and come Dec. 19, city councilors will be doing the deed.
Carbone, who is coordinating the efforts of both the Haverhill and Pentucket Kiwanians, said his organization brought in the most money for the kettle drive and he hopes to repeat that distinction this year.
"We hope to maintain our bragging rights," he said.
The kettle drive raised $25,200 last year. This year, the goal is $25,000, Hardy said.
With several more weekends coming, it's too soon to tell who is ahead for those "bragging rights" Carbone is fighting to retain, Hardy said. It appears, however, that Carbone's Kiwanians are off to a good start this season, he said.
"They raised $1,500 on Saturday," Hardy said.
The bell ringers have taken up positions at Haverhill's three Market Baskets, the two Walgreens and the post office downtown. While the service clubs are a major part of the kettle drive, there are also many volunteers who help on an individual basis, with the intention of "giving back," Hardy said.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering to help the kettle drive is asked to visit the Salvation Army headquarters at 395 Main St.
"Come in and see us," Hardy said.
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