With noisy political campaigns out of the way, the quiet campaign is about to begin.
That quiet campaign is the Red Kettle Drive by the low-profile Cobleskill Unit of the Salvation Army--and there's still time for you be part of it.
This year's campaign will begin on Black Friday, with two kettles at Wal-Mart and one at Price Chopper, all with the goal of raising money to help those in need in Schoharie County.
The Red Kettle Drive will continue every Friday and Saturday through December 19.
As they have for 20 years, Neil and Bev Stanton are spearheading this year's drive. They started in October to gather 192 bell-ringers who'll man the kettles.
The money raised--and it will go well into the thousands--will provide food and fuel to the needy, shelter for those whose homes burned, holiday gifts for families that have none and allow 50 kids to go to summer camp.
When a fire at the Times-Journal forced five tenants from apartments above the paper, the Cobleskill Unit paid for shelter and food for them.
As in the T-J case, nearly every cent raised locally stays here, Mr. Stanton said.
"That's why people support the Red Kettles," Ms. Stanton added. "People are most generous because it's for Schoharie County."
Even though the unit is named Cobleskill, it covers the entire county.
"And we've had a quite a few calls from the southern end of the county this year," Mr. Stanton said.
The Salvation Army doesn't advertise or promote itself, but although it has a low profile publicly, it has a high profile among local agencies.
The Stantons, along with their 10-member committee, work regularly with the Office for the Aging, Schoharie County Community Action Program and Catholic Charities.
"If they can't handle it, we help out, or we share," Ms. Stanton said.
And while many other worthy efforts help families at Christmastime, the Salvation Army does the same--with little fanfare.
The unit provides gift boxes to adults at Marchand Manor in Sharon Springs and also shops for families.
"Some families just can't afford anything at Christmas," Ms. Stanton said. "So they call me, and we meet at Wal-Mart and we shop for kids.
"It's really clothing and boots, but at the end, I say, 'Okay, now we have to get him a toy.' "
Bell-ringers have two-hour shifts, and four two-person teams will man the kettles from 9am to 5pm each Friday and Saturday.
The Stantons still need bell-ringers, and if they get enough volunteers, they'll put the kettles out on December 23 for an extra day or two.
"It's hard work, but it can be so rewarding," Ms. Stanton said. "We make a lot of people happy."
Anyone wanting to volunteer can call Mr. or Ms. Stanton at 296-8909.