We all see the bell ringers out in front of the grocery store this time of year. The Salvation Army holds its annual giving drive with a bell ringer and a red kettle. Most of us at one time or another have dropped in a few coins or maybe even a bill or two. But to steal from the red kettle would be shameful.

Yet, for the second time this year, a red kettle thief has been arrested!

A Salvation Army employee has been arrested as part of an investigation into theft from the organization's annual Red Kettle campaign.

Carolyn Key, 40, an office manager and human resources director for the Salvation Army, is charged with second-degree theft of property.

There was no comment on the amount of money suspected to be stolen, but the charge of second-degree theft of property covers thefts in a range of $500 to $2,500.

A spokesman for the charity said the Salvation Army won't tolerate any amount of money being stolen from the pool of charitable donations.

As usual big business gets to play a role here. So aware are they that their employees may steal donations, the Salvation Army actually has an insurance policy against such thefts. The Salvation Army already has safeguards in place intended to prevent internal theft. Any money stolen from the organization will be covered by insurance.

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign provides dinners, clothing and toys to needy families every year at Christmas.

Shameful behavior for a time of year where giving thanks and giving back to the community is the truest message.