You see them this time every year, ringing their bells and asking for donations.
For years the Salvation Army has braved the cold and tough holiday crowds to raise money one coin or dollar bill at a time through its Kettle Drive, with every penny going into a special account to help township residents who need help paying bills, filling their gas tanks and making ends meet. The account, administered by the township Division of Social Services, is used to pay rent and utilities, purchase gift cards for gasoline and to Wal-Mart for families in emergency situations, including those whose houses have burned down.
Bell ringers may not be as visible this year, however, making it more difficult to raise money.
The reason is that the bell ringers have fewer locations at which they are being allowed to set up their kettles.
Volunteers typically have set up shop at six locations in the township: Wawa at Five Corners in Dayton, Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 522 in Dayton, Pierre’s of South Brunswick on Georges Road in Monmouth Junction, the Walgreen’s on Route 27, and the Stop-and-Shop supermarkets on Route 522 in Dayton and in the South Brunswick Square Mall on Route 1.
However, they won’t be ringing bells at several of those businesses this year. Salvation Army coordinator Frank Gramieri said several businesses denied the bell ringers access, but would not say which ones. However, they will not be stationed at Wawa or the Route 1 Stop-and-Shop. Stop-and-Shop’s corporate headquarters said that decisions are made by the store manager, who didn’t return calls. Wawa corporate officials also did not return calls.
In addition, the charity’s efforts to arrange Kettle Drives at other large-chain retail outlets, such as Target and Best Buy on Route 1, also have come up empty.
The reduced number of locations — especially the busier ones — will likely mean a drop-off in donations, and the group isn’t optimistic that it can approach last year’s total of approximately $10,000 raised.
That could leave township families with a much smaller safety net than has existed in the past.
That’s why we are asking the businesses who have denied the Salvation Army access to their properties to reconsider. In addition, we are hopeful that other local businesses will give the Salvation Army permission to set up kettles near their storefronts.
Having them nearby will help make sure that the Salvation Army can raise the money that will enable township social services officials to help local families throughout the year. It also wouldn’t hurt business to bring in a staple of the holiday season.
To invite the Salvation Army to your business, contact 732-274-0189.
Township Social Services Department Director LouAnne Wolf is reporting that the Human Intervention Trust Fund is low on money — $17,336 compared to $20,703 this time last year.
Money from the trust fund is used, like the Salvation Army fund, to help needy families pay for emergency costs, such as heating, electric and medical bills.
To donate to the trust fund, make checks payable to the South Brunswick Human Intervention Trust Fund and mail them to P.O. Box 190, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. Mark the envelope: Att: LouAnne Wolf or Social Services.

