WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — It's the time of year when you see a red kettle and hear a familiar sound outside of stores and shopping centers in Lycoming County. As we get closer to the holidays, non-profit organizations get busier including the Salvation Army in Williamsport.
"We currently right now have 4 food drives going on in the schools, which we're gonna be picking up in a couple days and in a couple of weeks to help if people come in for Thanksgiving and they need a basket we can help them," said Major Sheryl Hershey, Williamsport Salvation Army Corps Officer.
Although the most wonderful time of the year is over a month away, volunteers are gearing up to pack over 700 boxes of food for Christmas.
"We think there's going to be a lot more as we have in our food pantry received a lot of new clients in the past 6 months, people who are actually working and don't have enough—they're not making enough money in order to supply themselves with food," said Major Hershey.
The holiday season comes with the sounds of bells, season greetings and the drop of money into red kettles.
"You'll see three bell ringers ringing bells at Hobby Lobby, at Sam's Club, and at TJ Maxx, we start Walmart on Saturday which we're very excited about," said Major Hershey.
Santa's elves are also busy at the Salvation Army in Williamsport. Making sure every good boy and girl has something under the tree.
"Over about 2,000—2,000 toys, each child receives 10 toys, with some stocking stuffers and things, and we've already packed 200 bags, for 200 families, and so we're pretty excited about that," said Major Hershey.
Those interested in dropping off food or toys can do so at the Williamsport Salvation Army.