By Seth Daniel
Jane Gianatasio, a longtime Chelsea resident, has spent the past 10 years as a Salvation Army bellringer, supporting the organization’s annual holiday fundraising campaign. On Tuesday, she joined other bellringers in officially launching the season at Market Basket.
“My Kettle is always full,” she said.
Each holiday season brings Jane Gianatasio to a familiar post: ringing the bell for the Salvation Army Kettle Drive. The Chelsea native has devoted a decade to this volunteer work, helping the organization execute its most significant fundraising initiative annually.
Market Basket stands as one of the most important locations for this effort, according to Gianatasio, with bellringers positioned at both store entrances.
“I do this for the kids,” she said. “I do it so they can have food and Christmas toys. That’s why I’ve been doing it so long. My kettle is always full. Even when my husband comes to pick me up at night, he sometimes sits here for a bit while I take a break, and even he can make $15 in a short period of time. I truly enjoy this time of year.”
The Salvation Army’s Chestnut Street location began its campaign the previous weekend, though the official launch ceremony took place Tuesday morning at Market Basket.
“The Kettle drive is very important because this is how we make money for our programming and 83 cents of every dollar we raise goes back to the community,” said Capt. Isael Gonzalez. “It is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. We have 450 families signed up already for Christmas toys and we have 300 families signed up for Thanksgiving.”
This year’s target, according to Capt. Gonzalez, is $90,000 in kettle donations through Dec. 23.
City Manager Tom Ambrosino attended the kickoff event and made an opening contribution to support the campaign.
Ambrosino expressed his backing of the Salvation Army’s work and encouraged Chelsea residents to give generously during the holiday period.
Capt. Gonzalez noted that additional bell ringers are needed and urged local groups to consider volunteering their time throughout the season.