Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

WILKES-BARRE — What started in 1891 as a way to make sure the needy in San Francisco had a holiday meal has turned into a global effort by the Salvation Army that helps millions of people around the world during the holidays.

The group’s Red Kettle fundraiser kicked off in the Wyoming Valley on Wednesday morning at Schiel’s Family Market on Hanover Street.

Representatives from the Salvation Army, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department — plus the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins mascot Tux — gathered outside the store to begin collecting donations.

Officers from the police department rang bells and collected money while Tux entertained those coming into the store, posing for photos.

Lt. Oziel Urbaez, of the Wilkes-Barre Salvation Army, said there will be kettles at stores across the Wyoming Valley, such as Price Chopper, JCPenney in the Wyoming Valley Mall, Boscov’s and counter-top kettles at Turkey Hill gas stations.

All donations collected throughout the annual campaign will help with the different services the Salvation Army offers, such as a food pantry, a shelter, as well as distributing toys for needy children in the area.

“Wherever there is a need, we try to help as much as we are able to,” said Urbaez.

In addition to the red kettles, Urbaez said the Salvation Army also runs the Angel Tree program, which helps collect toys. Trees with “angel tags” will be placed in businesses across the area, including Schiel’s, and people can buy a present matching what’s on the tag and return it to the Salvation Army.

“Help us help others,” said Urbaez.

Jeremy Stratton donates money to the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign during Wednesday’s kick-off event in Wilkes-Barre at Schiel’s market.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_TTL112317salvation-Army2.jpg.optimal.jpgJeremy Stratton donates money to the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign during Wednesday’s kick-off event in Wilkes-Barre at Schiel’s market. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Jeremy Cook rings a bell at Schiel’s market during the Red Kettle kick-off Wednesday in Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_TTL112317salvation-Army3.jpg.optimal.jpgJeremy Cook rings a bell at Schiel’s market during the Red Kettle kick-off Wednesday in Wilkes-Barre. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Wilkes-Barre Assistant Fire Chief Ed Snarski rings a bell outside Schiel’s market on Hanover Street in Wilkes-Barre during Wednesday’s kick-off for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle fundraiser campaign.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_TTL112317salvation-Army1.jpg.optimal.jpgWilkes-Barre Assistant Fire Chief Ed Snarski rings a bell outside Schiel’s market on Hanover Street in Wilkes-Barre during Wednesday’s kick-off for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle fundraiser campaign. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

By Brigid Edmunds

[email protected]

Reach Brigid Edmunds at 570-445-0063 or on Twitter @brigidedmunds