Carlisle Small Businesses Step Up to Rescue Christmas with The Salvation Army
CARLISLE, Pa. (November 5, 2020) – Small businesses in Carlisle are standing tall with The Salvation Army as part of the organization’s “Rescue Christmas” campaign, which seeks to provide holiday help to the growing number of people suffering from the economic effects of the pandemic.
With more consumers opting for home delivery and curbside pickup, the foot traffic at traditional red kettle stands is expected to be much lower this year than in previous years. The national coin shortage has more people utilizing credit and debit cards than paper cash and coins. Not to mention, the challenge of getting people to volunteer to ring the bell during a global pandemic also adds a potential setback.
For the first time in 130 years, The Salvation Army began its red kettle season early this year as part of a nationwide effort to “Rescue Christmas. Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, The Salvation Army expects to serve up to 155% more people in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, assisting with housing, and helping place gifts under the tree – assuming the resources are available.
Last year, more than $126 million was raised nationally through 30,000 red kettles. The Salvation Army fears that number could be cut in half this year.
“Our kettle season normally raises $130,000 each year. Since we had to cancel both of our major fundraisers earlier this year, we literally can’t afford to miss the mark on kettles,” said Lauren Sheeler, Business & Development Associate at the Carlisle Corps of The Salvation Army. “The community depends on our services all year long, and we’ve seen an increase in requests for assistance because of the pandemic.”
Despite these concerns, The Salvation Army in Carlisle is receiving an abundance of support from a sector that was possibly the hardest hit by the pandemic – small businesses.
Knisley’s Pet and Farm Center at 1025 Ritner Highway is hosting a desktop kettle for The Salvation Army for the first time this Christmas season. The miniature kettle will sit on the counter right by the cash register as customers check out. They have also invited The Salvation Army to man a much larger, traditional red kettle stand outside the center during an open house on Nov. 6 and 7. Feathers in the Nest at 61 W. Chapel Ave. has also invited The Salvation Army to ring the bell during a Christmas open house on Nov. 6 and 7. Their neighbors Earth Artisan & Outfitter, 31 W. Chapel Ave., will be hosting the traditional red kettle stand on Saturdays in December.
Jeff Nygaard, owner of Stan’s Beverage at 75 Ashland Ave., will be hosting two desktop kettles for The Salvation Army in November and December. He has pledged to match all donations received at his establishment, up to $5,000. Jeff challenged his friend Duff Manwiler, owner of Agway at 520 E. North St., to host a kettle and see who could raise more money. Not only did he agree, but Manwiler has also pledged to match a portion of donated proceeds. “The Salvation Army does a lot of good for a lot of people and we want to be a part of it. It’s that simple,” said Manwiler.
A veteran business to hosting desktop kettles, Market Cross Pub & Brewery at 113 N. Hanover St. is going a step further in 2020 by also hosting an Angel Tree, which will allow participants to take a name from the tree, shop for a specific child in need, and return the gifts back to the pub’s location so the Salvation Army can distribute to families. “Our staff and customers are always looking for ways to help their community over the holidays, said owner Ashleigh Goss Corby. The Angel Tree gives us another opportunity to facilitate this at the pub.”
“The outpouring of support from our small business community means the world,” said Lt. Ozzie Urbaez, Commanding Officer for The Salvation Army Carlisle Corps. “These businesses and the community at large make up the army behind our army, playing an integral role in helping us Rescue Christmas for the Carlisle community and continue to provide support throughout the next year and beyond.”
Desktop kettles are also being hosted by 5th Avenue Salon, Beeman’s Baked Goods, Beverage Express, CC’s Kitchen, Fay’s Country Kitchen, Hook & Flask Stillworks, Kimberly’s Café, Market Cross Pub, N Hanover Grille, Redd’s BBQ, Salon Debonaire, Tangle’s Salon & Spa, the Greatest Gift, Hamilton, Turkey Hill, and Warrington Farm Meats, and Wenger’s. Beginning Nov. 21, traditional kettle stands will be in full swing in Cumberland County at Karns, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Carlisle Farmer’s Market, Dunham’s Sports, Wine & Spirits, and Saylors Market.
Those in search of an Angel Tree should be on the lookout for them to appear in the near future at the following businesses: Capital Joe, Cracker Barrel, Create-A-Palooza, Kimberly’s Café, Market Cross Pub, Nothing Sweeter Bakery, Salon Soleil, Starbucks, the clothesVine, and the Greatest Gift.