Salvation Army seeking ringers

CLOVIS - It's Red Kettle time again in Clovis, as the Salvation Army has again started its annual fundraiser at high-traffic locations and online.

Lt. Miguel Ibarra of the Clovis Salvation Army said the fundraising effort, like just about everything, is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on mass gatherings.

"We are kind of at standby," Ibarra said. "We have restrictions, and we've put it on hold a couple of weeks (from our normal start)."

Ibarra began setting up the red kettles at Clovis' most high-traffic locations - Wal-Mart, Albertsons Market, Hobby Lobby and Walgreens.

The kettles cannot have more than two people at a time, Ibarra said, and volunteers are still sought.

"There are people who are probably afraid of being out there (due to the pandemic), which I totally understand," Ibarra said. "But we are requesting volunteers to ring bells at stores."

The money raised by the holiday effort goes beyond the holidays.

"People think it's only for seasonal assistance," Ibarra said. "It's not. All of the funds in our kettles help families throughout the year with utility assistance, rent. We also provide food for families who are in need."

Anybody who's not planning to visit a kettle can go online to clovisredkettle.org or redkettlenewmexico.org. On the website, visitors can make a one-time donation, create their own Salvation Army fundraiser or volunteer.