Salvation Army Kettle

The charity closest to the Byers’ hearts is the Salvation Army. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each of the Caroler figurines in the Salvation Army line goes to this organization that provides help and support to so many needy people around the world. In 1992, the Salvation Army gave Byers’ Choice permission to design a line of figurines representing Salvation Army members. Joyce introduced the line beginning with the Salvation Army Women with Kettle on the one hundredth anniversary of the Salvation Army’s trademark red kettle symbol. Since then, Joyce has created more than a dozen figures in the series. Licensing fees and additional contributions from the Byers go to support the work of the Salvation Army as its ministers to the physical and spiritual needs to anyone requiring its help. And the Byers hope these figures will inspire others to join in the Army’s spirit of caring and sharing. The Salvation Army Women with soup pot is the newest addition.

No Salvation Army scene would be complete without a Salvation Army band. A female character dressed in the distinctive blue and red of the army calls attention to the red donation kettle by ringing her bell. A male companion, dressed in matching colors plays the tuba while a younger member stands holding a bible. In 1995, Bob and Joyce Byers were invited to attend the Salvation Army School for officer training graduation where they were named the first two Samuel Logan Brengle fellows. At the ceremony they were cited for their service to the army as volunteers for their annual giving, Christian witness, and the establishment as two full perpetuating cadet scholarships for the school of officer training. “We have been incredibly impressed by the Salvation Army’s dedication to its work of serving Christ and helping man kind,” says Bob. It has had a profound impact on the way the Byers have chosen to run their business.

The Order of Samuel Logan Brengle fellows is named for a man who dedicated his life to the work of the Salvation Army. In the early 1900s Brengle rose through the ranks of the Army’s to become a mentor to the Salvation Army leaders around the world. This fellowship was established “to honor those who make significant contributes to the enhancement of the training of officers in the eastern US territories. Sine 1992, Byers’ Choice and the Byers family have raised over a million dollars in support of the Salvation Army and their many worthy causes.