The Salvation Army reported Wednesday a group of volunteer students from Carson High School’s Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps serving as bellringers for the annual Red Kettle campaign were robbed at the Walmart Supercenter at 3770 U.S. 395.
The theft occurred after 5 p.m. as a student stepped inside the store momentarily and left the kettle unattended.
Capt. Ernie Evans, Carson City Corps officer for the Salvation Army, said Thursday such thefts are common within the organization.
“(The volunteers) did all the rights, it was just one mistake,” he said. “It happens. They’re young people. I’m in no way frustrated with them. … It’s not necessarily a new thing. Hardship has been around a long time.”
After the kettle was taken, Walmart security and the Carson City Sheriff’s Office were notified. The store’s security team asked the volunteers a few questions and said it would review its footage, Evans said. The Salvation Army is uncertain if the suspect were to be identified if it would press charges for the theft.
Carson High’s students have been fundraising at the store this week and will continue next week. Its average nightly collection has been between $460 to $490. A kettle, in general, can take in anywhere between $80 to $5,000, Evans said.
“Five-hundred dollars goes a long way we can do to help the community,” he said. “That’s help with groceries. It’s a bummer. It also speaks to the state of things, of the desperateness.”
Carson City School District officials declined to comment, but Evans said he spoke with Carson’s NJROTC Sr. Chief Jerry Skirvin on Thursday and Skirvin told him he will encourage the students to ensure their process keeps their kettle safe.
Evans also will visit the students in January or February to thank them for their efforts.
“What’s going to happen is we’re going to be making lemonade,” he said. “It’s a little sour right now, but we believe in our donors and we believe in people. When this unfortunate news occurs, whatever loss happens will be recouped. We like to bless others, even when turmoil happens.”