Latoya Grindley, Features Writer

Cassetta Bunting, volunteering for the cause of others. - photo by Latoya Grindley

While Walking towards the main entrance of the Sovereign Centre in Liguanea, St. Andrew, there is the sound of a jingling bell. Sitting on a chair next to a kettle, Cassetta Bunting contentedly rings her bell as she strives to get the attention of passers-by.

Usually during this time of year, people come out in their numbers to ask for donations for their personal use. However, this is not the case for this Salvationist. Mrs. Bunting, who now holds the rank of Core Sergeant Major in the Salvation Army, has been volunteering her services to benefit the less fortunate as well as to give back to communities. During this time, each year, she says officers of the Salvation Army become visible at many locations. This year, they will end their services at their respective locations on Christmas Eve. "We do this every Christmas and we call it kettling. We do it to raise funds that go back to the community and various other institutions throughout the year".

Involved since 1978

Giving of herself and her time was something she started in 1978 after getting involved at the Kintyre core located in St. Andrew - a branch of the Salvation Army. She believes she was destined to do this work.

"I didn't know about Salvation Army back then and in 1978 they first came to Kintyre, but I didn't pay them any mind. They were having service, but all I know I found myself there in their arms. That was 1978 until now," she said.

While The Gleaner features team was with Mrs. Bunting, there wasn't much activity. The inactivity at times, she says, doesn't deter her from continuing her service. "Times are hard. I mean you have people who want to put, but can't afford. Still, I just come here everyday and hope that someone put in the pot. I don't normally get discouraged. Generally weekends are normally better too".

Prior to committing herself to becoming a Salvationist, she was a nurse. She eventually gave up her profession and hasn't practised since 1999 when she decided to become involved in voluntary services full time. When the Christmas season is over, she says she will go back to full participation at her church where she is second in command. "I am the deaconess at church and I am responsible for many activities there. I will go back to doing community service as well as women's ministry, Bible studies and other programmes".

Each day the donations are collected by the core officer at each church. The Salvation Army will have a host of activities at various homes and hospitals this season which will climax at the University Hospital of the West Indies on Christmas Day. The special gestures by the church, according to Mrs. Bunting, make Christmas more special to her. "Christmas is a time when I reflect on the birth of Christ, I mean it was a gift to us. And so we share with others and go into communities and other places. We sing songs and bring gifts to people. Salvation Army does not cater to only material needs, but also spiritual needs."

It seems the best part of being posted at the Sovereign Centre other than collecting donations is ringing the bell. She says when people hear the bell "they know that Christmas is around the corner".

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com