For perspective on the legions of volunteers needed for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign this year, consider the 1,479 hours of bell ringing that have to be covered.
Someone putting in a full 40-hour week with no time off for vacation or holidays would have to work from the beginning of January through Labor Day in September to accumulate 1,479 hours. The Salvation Army needs volunteers to put in those hours in just the five weeks between next Friday, when the first kettles are put out, and Christmas Eve. The goal is to raise $100,000 to support the Salvation Army's programs.
So thumbs up to everyone who answers the call for help. Telephone 664-4108 if you have time that you are willing to donate for this most worthy cause.
And thumbs up to everyone who tosses a donation into a Red Kettle.
With yesterday's shoppers lunch at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Jamestown under our belt, so to speak, proof that the time is right to fully face the approaching season is evident today at the YWCA and at JCC.
The YWCA of Jamestown's annual Mistletoe Mart is under way at its building on Fourth Street and will continue until 3 p.m. today. More than 35 vendors are offering item such as handcrafted purses, picture frames, floral arrangements, wreaths, jewelry and a variety of knitted, sewn and crocheted items. Packaged items include spices, dips, cutlery and cosmetics. Admission is $1 donation for adults. Children are free.
Proceeds from the Mistletoe Mart benefit programs offered by the YWCA of Jamestown to the women and children in the community.
Meanwhile at the Hamilton Center at JCC, the 56th annual What's New Fair is under way today and Sunday. More than 65 merchants are featuring new items from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on today and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for JCC and JBC students and $1 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 can get in for free. This fundraiser for the Jamestown branch of the American Association of University Women's benefits female JCC and JBC graduates who are pursuing four-year degrees.
Up next is Holiday on the Hill, which will be the weekend before Thanksgiving - that's next Saturday and Sunday! - at the Girl Scout office on Horton Road just north of Jamestown off Route 60.
Whew.