Alpena area Salvation Army looking for Red Kettle volunteers

ALPENA- Mich. – For the last few weeks, Major Prezza L. Morrison of the Alpena Salvation Army has gone out to prep each red kettle set up throughout town. She said while she remains hopeful this holiday season, the times we live in have posed challenges for the organization.

“It’s been a major change for us, said Prezza. “Of course we’re use to being really close to the kettle, ringing the bell, use to saying hi to people and smiling to them and looking at them eye to eye.”

Prezza said that’s changed the course for the number of volunteers ringing the bells during the holiday season.

“Now of course everyone is required to wear mask and they can stand by the kettle, but once someone comes towards the kettle, they are to move away from the kettle. Some kettle locations might have been inside previously and now they can’t because we feel the lobby is not the safe distance from people, so it makes it less personable than we’d like to” said Prezza.

So far the organization has monetarily seen a successful red kettle season, but still needs volunteers to man local red kettle bell stations.

“We really like to have volunteers,said Prezza. “When we have volunteers it cuts down on our expenses and again it helps us then provide the needs to the family.”

Volunteers like Yvonne DeRosia, who have volunteered for years say volunteering despite the pandemic was important.

“No, we never second thought it out, because this is our job,” said DeRosia.

Prezza said she’s certain she’ll get the help she needs because Alpena always makes a way.

“I really think that this community really comes along side people.”

If you’d like to volunteer with the Salvation Army of Alpena you can call 989–766–3224. You can also make donations online and even through phone apps.