Red Kettle Drive Kicks Off, Let The Sniping Begin
Is it possible to sap the spirit of giving from Christmas? No, but some Easter Shore residents sure give it a go.
Yesterday the Salvation Army kicked off its annual “Red Kettle Drive” with a breakfast in Salisbury. These giving individuals, and many others, will spend countless hours during the Holiday season ringing a bell in the cold and collecting funds to help those less fortunate than themselves. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Not on the Lower Shore. Why? SbyNEWS publisher Joe Albero has the unmitigated gall to use Maryland and Delaware’s most popular blog to promote the Kettle Drive and encourage his readers to volunteer their time and money. Shame on you Joe!
Because Albero is none too popular with certain quarters of our community, some will actually encourage residents NOT to contribute. For those who live outside of the confines of our bizarre little “Peyton Place”, I’m quite serious.
Local gadfly and Barrie Comegys mouthpiece Jonathan Taylor requested that “concerned citizens” (translation – “Albero haters”) call the Salvation Army and demand that Albero be excluded from the 2009 Kettle Drive. Since Albero was at yesterday’s kick-off, that obviously didn’t work. Their next plan is to distribute nasty little pamphlets to drop in the kettle rather than cash. Now that’s the Christmas spirit guys!
Now the appropriately named “Grinch” promises to have “coins” made stating their refusal to donate because of Albero. Granted, this is so many mule muffins, but imagine the type of twisted personality required to come up with this nonsense.
It doesn’t matter whether you love Albero or hate him. Last year the Salvation Army was facing a shortage of volunteers. Albero took it upon himself to promote the hell out of the Kettle Drive AND donate hours of his own time. SbyNEWS readers stepped up to the plate with their time and money. Despite the economy, the Salvation Army saw a sizable increase in donations. Was this ALL because of Joe Albero. Of course not. I never heard him make that claim. However, there is no question that Albero impacted the Kettle Drive and he (along with his readers) should be applauded.
Instead, we are witnessing a nasty little cabal encouraging people NOT to support their own community because of one guy’s participation. Following their logic, if Albero is seen shopping at Wal-Mart they shouldn’t shop there?
My view is a little different.
To Albero – Promote the hell out of the kettle drive. Double your coverage of last year (if that’s even possible).
To SbyNEWS Readers – Keep it up! I know times are tough, but donate your time and money.
To the Salvation Army – Thank the Lord for people like Albero and his readers.
To people like Jonathan Taylor – Don’t forget your sun block. You’re going to HELL!
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