The Salvation Army’s Matthew Woods is putting his musical talent to good use this holiday season.
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Woods recently spent some time as a bell ringer as part of the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign. Working at the southeast corner of State and South Third streets in Geneva, the musically-inclined Salvation Army officer decided that rather than ringing a bell he would perform a medley of Christmas carols on his cornet.
“People have been very appreciative and dropping coins in the kettle,” Woods said.
Others were rolling down their car windows and waving in affirmation, he said.
Woods, of St. Charles, is the vocal music director for the Hoffman Estates-based Salvation Army Central Territory, the main headquarters for the group’s Midwest region.
Woods became acquainted with the Salvation Army in his youth. His parents were involved in the Salvation Army in his homeland in England.
“I knew the Tri-City Salvation Army was in need of help with the Red Kettles,” he said of his recent stint in Geneva.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign ends on Saturday.
People traditionally enjoy listening to seasonal music at the kettles, he said.
“There’s something nostalgic about song-playing at a kettle. The music pulls at people’s heart strings, especially when the downtown streets are decorated for Christmas. It creates a picture-perfect postcard situation,” Woods said.
Woods said he’s a vocalist mainly, but he decided to play his cornet because singing on a street corner can be challenging.
“Singing on the street corner is a bit harder especially when you are competing with traffic,” Woods said.
Woods performed from a book of 120 carols, and played tunes including “Silver Bells” and “Silent Night” in Geneva.
“People have been appreciative and offering coins in the kettle, rolling down the windows and waving from their cars,” he said.
The Salvation Army officer said he enjoys his lifetime mission to help others.
“It’s not necessarily how the Salvation Army has changed my life but how we have been able to help in other people’s lives by extending a helping hand whether they need a meal, basic needs or someone to talk to,” Woods said.
He said his message this Christmas is one of hope.
“No matter how dark it seems, there’s always hope and someone to come alongside and be there for you,” he said. “That’s the message of Christmas in general. It’s not just about a jolly man and giving gifts. It’s about offering the hope of the season to others and mankind.”
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.