BIDDEFORD — As members of the human race, we measure how we are perceived through our actions and in the kindness that we extend to others. And through the years every holiday season, community residents dig deep to make a Salvation Army kettle donation to help others less fortunate.

On Saturday morning, community leaders joined representatives of the Saco Bay Area Salvation Army and a brass ensemble in launching the 2017 Red Kettle Program to benefit residents of the Saco Bay area that includes Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Arundel and Dayton.

According to Major B. Bryan Smith of the Salvation Army, the first kettle program sponsored by the organization was in San Francisco, California, in 1891.

“Today more than 126 years later, the Salvation Army kettle has become a symbol of giving throughout the world,” Smith said.

In one way, shape or form, Smith said he has been involved with Salvation Army kettle collections since he was 10.

He said that community assistance is offered locally through many different ways including groceries, clothing, housing assistance, fuel and energy assistance, personal hygiene kits, medical needs, and transportation help, along with connecting individuals to other beneficial services and available resources.

“The goal of our team is to address legitimate need and make a positive difference in someone’s life,” Smith said.

From the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Old Orchard Beach, and Saco, thousands receive help every year. And the Salvation Army also serves between 4,000 and 4,500 meals each year through its free community lunch program that allows seniors and others to enjoy a nutritional meal and social interaction with others at the Corps Community Center in Old Orchard Beach.

Kettle donations also benefit homeless shelters such as the York County Shelter Program in Alfred.   

Bill Southwick, Advisory Board chairman of the Saco Bay Area Salvation Army, said community residents can see direct results from programs funded by kettle donations.

“The need goes on year-round,” Southwick said. “People here are exteremely generous in helping their neighbors.”

Southwick introduced a number of community leaders who each thanked the Salvation Army for their efforts on behalf of those in need.

Speaking at the event were Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant, State Sen. Justin Chenette, State Rep. Martin Grohman and Old Ortchard Beach Deputy Town Manager Louise Reed.

Smith, Southwick and Major Raphael C, Jackson, divisional commander for the Salvation Army’s Northern New England Division, presented Biddeford Market Basket Manager Micum McIntire with a plaque of appreciation for the generosity and support of store employees.

“We want to thank Market Basket for their outstanding support,” Smith told McIntire. “Not only does Market Basket allow us to return with the kettle year after year, it also allows our Brass Ensemble to come inside when it’s really cold or snowing during the Christmas season.”

Other Salavation Army kettle locations in the Saco Bay area include Shaws in Saco and at Walmart in Biddeford after Thanksgiving.

Donations can also be made by calling 934-4381 or mailing it to The Salvation Army, 2 Sixth St., Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064.     

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.