By Brian M. Boyce
TERRE HAUTE — Standing inside the doors at Baesler’s Market, Ethan Tyler said his kettle was getting full.
“It’s good what they’re doing,” he said Wednesday afternoon while ringing a bell for the Salvation Army’s annual kettle drive. “They’re helping out in the community.”
Tyler, wearing an “NAACP 100 years” shirt underneath his red Salvation Army apron, was one of several volunteers the civil rights group shared with charity this holiday season.
“It’s really our pleasure to give back to the community in those endeavors,” NAACP’s Terre Haute branch president Allegra Allen said. “The NAACP has wanted to give back to the community. The community has been very good to us the last several years.”
Tyler, 24, graduated from Indiana State University on Saturday with a master’s degree in exercise science. The Terre Haute North Vigo High School alumnus is a life member of the NAACP, but the kettle drive is a first for him. “Actually, this is my first time doing it for The Salvation Army,” he said, noting that he plans to get involved again next year.
The local branch stood guard over the Baesler’s Market kettle from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday on behalf of its youth program, “Back to School, Stay in School,” a program chaired by Tyler’s mother, Debra.
“He works really hard for the NAACP,” she said of her son, noting that the local branch would check with The Salvation Army later to see if any kettles were open today, Christmas Eve.
Allen and Tyler both noted their gratitude for the participation of youth.
“I’m particularly glad to see our young people step up and help others,” Allen said. The local branch has activities in store for next year aimed at increasing community service. “We want to be as involved in the community as we can.”
Meanwhile, branch vice president Margaret Taylor stopped by Tyler’s kettle to see how things were going and noted her approval of the shift’s earnings, which both said seemed higher than they’d expected.
“Looks good. It looks good,” Taylor said approvingly.
Brian Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
