Wagging tails join ringing bells for Salvation Army kettle drive in Hempfield

Area owners let the dogs out Wednesday to help attract attention to the Greensburg Salvation Army’s annual red kettle donation drive.

Members of the Youngwood Dog Club, accompanied by their public-friendly therapy dogs, volunteered to augment the efforts of kettle bell-ringers at several Hempfield retail locations including Walmart and Macy’s and JCPenney at Westmoreland Mall.

“Hopefully, we’ll help to collect some more money for the Salvation Army,” said Dan Williams of New Stanton, the club vice president, who brought his Australian cattle dog, Shep, to greet shoppers near the kettle outside Macy’s at Westmoreland Mall. They were joined by two other dogs and their owners.

“I think the dogs attract people,” Williams said. “Everyone likes a dog. They’re happy, And I think they really do a good part for the community.”

“These people here today are doing a wonderful service,” agreed Archie Shoultz of Greensburg, a 30-year kettle volunteer who was manning the Macy’s location.

Like many other chapters, the Greensburg Salvation Army is struggling to meet its goal for donations in this year’s drive. By midday Wednesday, with less than two days left in the drive, collections stood at $43,259, or about 54% of the $80,000 goal, according to Lt. Donna Hannan, assistant corps officer.

When President Rodney Little asked how the Youngwood Dog Club might help, Hannan jumped at the opportunity.

“I think it will do a great deal toward attracting people to the kettles,” she said. “The therapy dogs are so cute, dressed up in Christmas sweaters.”

Just as shoppers and Salvation Army volunteers have adjusted to the restrictions of the covid-19 pandemic, so have the the therapy dogs and their owners.

“We take them to different locations, whether it’s here at the mall or possibly a nursing home, where we go outside and walk through and see the residents through the windows right now with covid,” said Williams.

“Before covid, we went into nursing homes, schools, hospitals — anywhere we can bring some joy to people that are in need,” said Mary Beth Wilson of Hempfield, who brought her miniature golden doodle, Bella, to help at the Macy’s kettle.

Williams said the club members plan to return with their dogs on Christmas Eve to see the local kettle drive through to its conclusion.

Club plans light display

Wilson also invited residents to view an evening light display Christmas Eve at 256 Armbrust Road, near the Westmoreland County Community College campus. Dubbed “Larry’s Lights,” the display honors her late husband. Dogs and club members are expected to be on hand beginning at about 6 p.m. to welcome visitors and collect donations for their nonprofit organization.