BARBERTON: Kettle donations are down in Barberton and Salvation Army officials are blaming it on a Dec. 2 shooting in an Akron barbershop that injured a leader of the Barberton Corps.
Corps Officer Captain James Jones was one of three people treated for gunshot wounds after a shooting at RP Blade Academy, 515 W. Exchange St., about 11 a.m.
According to police, Robert L. Rodgers, of Hardesty Avenue, was about to get a haircut when a 20-year-old man walked into the barbershop and the two men quarreled. Rodgers pulled a handgun out from underneath his apron and fired several shots, police said. The 20-year-old man, a teen boy and Jones were struck by bullets.
Warrants have been issued for Rodgers’ arrest on charges of felonious assault and having a weapon while under disability.
In a prepared statement released by the Salvation Army, Corps Captain Malinda Jones said, “Barberton is a small corps and my husband’s not being able to pitch in hurts him and the campaign.”
While Jones is recuperating, he and his wife have been unable to lead the Barberton kettle drive, according to Marian Calvin, director of development for Summit County area services.
“Half of our manpower is gone,” Calvin said. “His leadership and his energy is really missed.”
Malinda Jones did not return several messages this week seeking comment. Another Salvation Army official said the couple did not want to talk publicly about the case.
The local Salvation Army can use more donations and volunteers, Calvin said.
This year’s campaign goal is $100,000. As of Wednesday, volunteers collected $40,000.
Summit County area coordinator Major Kevin Jackson said funds raised in Barberton stay in Barberton.
“Funds raised in Barberton support the corps’ programs such as the daily Community Café hot meal, the food pantry, the youth music conservatory, the First Tee golf lessons for children and more, at no cost to participants,” Jackson said. “Kettle income plays a big role in keeping these programs healthy and permits the Joneses and the Army to develop new programs to benefit Barberton residents in need.”
To volunteer to ring the bells, call Captain Malinda Jones between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 330-745-2836.
To donate, visit the Barberton kettles at Acme Fresh Market in Norton, Acme stores on Manchester Road and East Avenue in Akron, Giant Eagle at Fifth and Robinson in Barberton and Kmart in the Magic City Plaza in Barberton from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Checks made out to the Salvation Army Barberton with “Kettle Barberton” in the memo line also can be mailed to 560 Wooster Road W., Barberton, OH 44203.
Contact Gina Mace at ginamace2@gmail.com