NORTH BALTIMORE – To mark the beginning of this year’s kettle campaign in North Baltimore, the Salvation
Army will hold its second annual kettle kick-off celebration on Friday at 9 a.m. at Great Scot.
Salvation Army Lt. Christopher Mauk told council members Tuesday that 2008’s campaign resulted in a
record collection of $8,751.37.
"That’s the largest amount ever raised for the Salvation Army in North Baltimore," he stated.
"This year our goal is $10,000 just because the needs are up. People who’ve never asked for our
help before, been laid off, have turned to us for help. They’re sad about it, embarrassed to seek our
help."
Mauk said people in need throughout the year make the town’s Salvation Army office their "starting
point" to help them in their need.
He challenged village officials to ring the bell since Police Chief Allan Baer has agreed to participate.
"We appreciate any support you give."
Mayor Ned Sponsler offered an incentive to council members that if six of them join him in ringing the
bell, he will supply pizza at a committee-of-the-whole meeting. Fire department and police personnel are
joining in the challenge against village officials to either collect more money or serve more hours.
Lts. Christopher and Ashley Mauk would like to invite all kettle locations, volunteer bell ringer groups
and community residents to join in this effort to ensure that the disadvantaged of the community receive
the assistance they need at Christmas-and throughout the year. Doughnuts, hot chocolate and coffee will
be served from The Salvation Army’s Northwest Ohio Emergency Disaster Services Canteen. Following the
kick-off through Christmas Eve, familiar red kettles will be seen regularly at Great Scot, Huntington
Bank, Scarbrough Pharmacy and the Petro Truck Stop.
The Salvation Army gives Emergency Crisis Assistance in Southern Wood County by helping those in need
with utilities, prescriptions, clothing, rent and toys for children at Christmas time through the Angel
Tree Program. It also houses and administers the Community Food Pantry, as a part of the North Baltimore
Area Cooperative Ministry.
This year, with many people seeking services for the very first time, there is even greater need for
volunteers and donations. Local churches of the North Baltimore Area Cooperative Ministry, service clubs
and others have agreed to help ring the bells this season. But more help is needed. Any individual or
group wanting to ring the bell for the less fortunate, may contact Mauk at (419) 257-2334.
A kettle campaign kickoff will also be held Friday at noon in the Huntington Bank at 222. S. Main St.,
Bowling Green.