CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — It's a sign that the holiday giving season is in full swing. There are Santa suits, red kettles and of course, the ringing of the bells.
On Giving Tuesday, where people exercise their philanthropic muscles and give to charities, the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden celebrated with their official Red Kettle kickoff.
While many are familiar with the Salvation Army’s holiday tradition, they may not be familiar with how many people are helped each year.
“We’re currently serving 1,700 families,” said center administrator Maj. Pamela Maynor.
“The need is most definitely greater this year. 45% of the families requesting assistance, have never come in before for Christmas assistance.”
Lifelong Camden resident Jerome Martin is a program attendant at the center and has been ringing the bells and manning the kettles for 15 years. He was helped by the Salvation Army after a fire when he was young, and again after his son passed away.
“I asked the Lord, ‘How can I serve them?’ I didn’t have money to donate, so my service came from just donating my time,” Martin said.
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One year, he recalled, he was able to help a woman who was depressed and suicidal because she could not afford gifts for her children. “I was just glad to be a blessing to her,” he said. “During this time of the year, a lot of people go through a lot of things, especially after COVID. I enjoy what I do. It’s my ministry.”
And as the fallout from the pandemic has yet to subside, co-administrator Maj. Keith Maynor said the need this year has increased.
“They still feel the effects,” he said. “People are getting sick, people are feeling the pressures of inflation. Some of us have close friends and family members who are still trying to find a job.”
This year, the center’s goal is to help about 10,000 individuals have a special Christmas season, through events like their free Toy Shop, Christmas Railroad and Adopt-a-Family programs. Volunteers are welcome, and every child that attends will receive gifts.