At this point, the red kettles and ringing bells of the Salvation Army are a worldwide symbol of giving during the holiday season. This year, they could use a little help.
Started in 1891 by Captain Joseph McFee, the world-renowned Red Kettle campaign was also established in Marathon for several years, but was absent for a period of time following the Salvation Army store’s departure from the island before Hurricane Irma. In the aftermath of the storm, the Salvation Army contributed more than $2 million to more than 400 families in Monroe County to assist in repair and rebuilding efforts.
Now, thanks to the work of Loretta Geotis and others, the Red Kettle tradition has also returned to Winn-Dixie and Publix for its third consecutive year. “We’re trying to re-establish the Salvation Army in a positive way in Monroe County,” said Geotis. Staffed largely by volunteers who ring bells and collect donations in two-hour shifts, the Red Kettle campaign runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
While her effort has received tremendous volunteer support from local organizations like the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, the Marathon Rotary Club and the Marathon Fire Department, among many others, Geotis said she still “has a lot of slots to fill before Christmas” as she rounds out the last few weekends of the campaign. Even so, she is infinitely grateful for her current pool of volunteers, some of whom travel from Big Pine and Islamorada to assist.
“The people who support this really support it in a big way,” said Geotis. “Some people have even gotten into the habit of wearing costumes. The more energy the bell ringer has, the more money goes into the kettle.” Last year’s campaign netted more than $15,000 in donations, and this year’s total is hoping for a final Christmas push as it sits at roughly $7,000.
Though the Red Kettle campaign is a national event, Geotis assures potential donors that their funds will stay in the Keys. “I’m the Salvation Army’s social services manager for Monroe County, so I’m directly responsible for that,” said Geotis. “I make sure every penny of the donations collected goes to help Keys residents in need.”
Volunteers interested in helping for a two-hour shift between now and Christmas Eve can contact Loretta at 813-892-3342.
