December 7, 2023

​As you stroll through your local shopping centers in the coming weeks, you’ll likely be met by Salvation Army volunteers adorned in festive red aprons, joyfully ringing bells beside their iconic red pots to collect money for those in need.

In the true holiday spirit, more than a dozen FirstEnergy employees launched the Salvation Army’s 2023 Christmastime campaign at Acme Fresh Market in Ellet, Ohio, on Nov. 4-5.

This annual tradition, rooted in the late 1800s, originally aimed to provide Christmas dinner to needy families. Today, the funds collected in the red kettle resonate throughout the year, making a significant impact on the local community by supporting social services, homeless shelters, disaster relief, children’s programs, rehabilitation services and anti-human trafficking efforts.

Among the employee volunteers was Stacy Silva, agile coach, Innovation & Digital Enablement, who said the experience was rewarding and emotional, especially when strangers shared their stories of how the Salvation Army has helped them.

“Seeing people give from the little they may have was heartwarming,” said Stacy. “One lady who donated told us how Salvation Army had helped her get back on her feet at one point in her life.”

Silva rang the bell alongside her coworker, Marci Eskridge, IT business analyst II, who said she also accepted help from the Salvation Army as a young mother.

“It was really special to have the opportunity to be on the giving end of the campaign this year,” said Marci. “I’m proud to work for a company that gives us paid time to volunteer in the community and build relationships with those we serve.”

As people carry less and less cash and the coin shortage continues across the country, the Salvation Army added a QR code to the sign above their red kettle. People who scan the code with their phones are directed to an online donation portal* where they can donate using a variety of payment options, including Venmo, PayPal or credit card.

“Participating in this opportunity gave me faith that people do care about each other. Some people put change in the pot, others donated money that folds. Any little bit helps,” added Stacy.

The Salvation Army is extending an invitation to groups and individuals to “Register to Ring” and be a part of this meaningful cause. More information can be found on the organization’s website at registertoring.com*.

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