Salvation Army reports three kettles stolen this season in Philadelphia

The theft of a kettle in Philadelphia has The Salvation Army up in arms — it’s the third stolen from the group this season.

Major John Riley, from the Salvation Army, said a bell ringer was unable to stop the most recent robbery.

“My worker was out at the Acme at Harbison ringing her bell and a young man was approaching to–it seemed like–to donate some money.  Instead he grabbed the chain and pulled forcefully down and took the kettle,” said Riley.  “Our kettles at that site average about $300.”Riley said it’s the first time he’s had a kettle stolen.”You may hear about it in some cities with higher crimes rates like Detroit but not here,” he said.  “People–even when they’re down and out–usually are very thoughtful, think about others more so than themselves.”Donations to the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia were already down between 5 and 10 percent compared to this time last year.  

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