By Keith Gushard

Meadville Tribune

CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS — The Cambridge Springs unit of The Salvation Army hopes to raise more than $4,000 with its annual red kettle campaign that begins in November.

“We get about $4,000 a year, but we need more,” said Donna Hobson, chair of the kettle drive. “We receive funds from no other source. We need all the help we can get.”

The Cambridge Springs unit serves families in the Cambridge Springs, Venango and Saegertown areas.

Last year, the unit provided utility assistance to 38 families and helped provide winter coats to those in need, said Randy Gorske, who is the unit’s human services director.

This will be 35th year the Salvation Army has had the kettle campaign in Cambridge Springs.

Collection locations will be at Mercer County State Bank, Vogel’s Food Mart, Cambridge Springs Pharmacy and Kwik Fill in Cambridge Springs; and H & H supermarket in Saegertown on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 23 through Dec. 22, Hobson said.

The unit is in need of volunteers to ring bells at the kettles, Hobson said.

It is trying to have kettles staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on collection days and is asking for persons to work at least a one-hour shift at a kettle.

Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.