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December 23, 2012

Charitable hearts making ringing the red kettle

By MATT CHRISTIAN Princeton Times

PRINCETON — Tammy Martin lives to help others and watch others help each other.

Martin stood beside of a Salvation Army kettle stand Wednesday afternoon and talked about her decision to stand beside of the kettle from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. She said that she enjoyed watching people contribute to the cause.

“I once had a guy drop a $50 in the bucket,” Martin said. “It’s really a worthwhile charity. They do a lot for the community. They give gifts to children that wouldn’t have that much for Christmas.”

Ten, Martin turns to Lt. Mike Michaels who operates the Princeton center of the Salvation Army. A couple of weeks ago, during a cold spell, Martin was working the door at Belk in Mercer Mall. That day was unusually cold.

Michaels helped make that day a lot easier. When he picked Martin up, he drove straight to the nearest McDonald’s and got all of the kettle workers a hot chocolate.

Her own act of kindness made it possible for Martin to return to West Virginia. She explained that she left Princeton after graduating high school. When her dad got sick, Martin returned home to take care of him.

While in upstate South Carolina, Martin got her start with the Salvation Army’s kettle drive and has worked it every year since.

“You just get to help people help other people,” Martin said. “You don’t get to see who you help but you still get a good feeling.”

Martin adds that some people are so moved by the spirit of the holiday season that they feel the need to donate to the Salvation Army’s toy drive. If the person leaves a toy, Martin says she and the other kettle workers put it aside until Michaels can come by to get the toys.

— Contact Matt Christian at mchristian@ptonline.net.

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