Bell Ringing Brings Hope!

The Red Kettle Campaign has a deep history in America.  It began in 1891 in San Francisco when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to families in need.  He used an idea originally developed in Liverpool, England where people could throw some change into a pot to help the poor.  Six years later, it spread to the East Coast and continued to grow into the tradition it is today, spreading throughout the entire United States and across the world.  Click here for a full history of the Red Kettle Campaign. 

The Red Kettle Season is The Salvation Army’s biggest fundraising initiative of the year.  

We do not do it alone - Christmas has an Army, an Army of volunteers who will take to the streets collecting donations to Fight for Good - to give the gift of help, hope, and healing to our neighbors when they need it most.

The Red Kettle financial goal is $240,000 - our ultimate goal is to ensure that we can answer the need of our neighbors when they need it most.

Volunteer: Each Red Kettle needs a warm heart to ring the bell! The hands may be cold -  but being a Red Kettle Ringer is truly one of the most heartwarming experiences you can have!  

Every 2 hrs. volunteered generates approximately $80+ – that is 80 meals, a month of heat for a family, provide three days of Camp for an underprivileged child! The impact is priceless!  When you volunteer and give at a Red Kettle - remember that the funds stay right here in our community, helping our neighbors. Give local…help local! 

Your time is priceless to a family in crisis. So join The Salvation Army as a Red Kettle bell ringer!  We are looking for enthusiastic individuals, families, groups, and church groups to donate their time and talents by ringing the bell at area stores in the Grand Traverse area!  

The dollars we raise during the Christmas season provide food, toys, and clothing for the Holidays and emergency assistance during the holidays and beyond. 

Special Bell Ringing Days
Realtor Ring Day : Friday, December 6 (contact Ruth for available sites)
Changemakers Day : December 7 - Sponsor a Red Kettle for the day as a family, group, or business. Limited locations are available. 
Church Bells Ring Days - December 13 & 14

Signing up to Bell Ring is as easy as visiting Register to Ring.com. Check it out - select your favorite location, dates, and times, set up an account (you only have to ever do this once) make your selections and you are ready to ring! You will also get a text reminder of your location and shift!  You can also call Mary Vollink at (231) 946-4644 ext. 303 to register. 

Paid Bell Ringers: We have both volunteer and paid bell ringing opportunities. Paid bell ringer applicants should be 18 years of age or older. Must be dedicated and able to stand for long periods of time outside in winter weather, be responsible, and be in good health. Must be neat in appearance, as you will be representing The Salvation Army to the public. Paid Bell Ringer wage is $13.00 per hour. Applications for paid bell ringers are available at The Salvation Army Community Center, 1239 Barlow St. Traverse City.  There will be a mandatory orientation training on Friday, November 3, 2023. 

TRAVERSE CITY AREA RED KETTLE HOST LOCATIONS
**Some locations have limits on number of bell ringers, caroling etc. Call Mary for additional information - 231-946-4644 ext. 303 
Blain's Farm and Fleet
Family Fare - 8th St.
Family Fare - Chums Corner - NEW Indoor Bell Ringing limited to 2 adults and 2 kids 
Hobby Lobby
Horizon Books
Oleson's Food Store - Hammond Rd
Oleson's Food Store - Long Lake
Tom's Food Market - 14th and Division - NEW Indoor Bell Ringing limited to 2 people
Tom's Food Market - East Bay
Tom's Food Market - West Bay
Tom's Food Market - Interlochen
Sam's Club - Limited number of bell ringer at a time (Please check with Mary at 231-946-4644 ext. 303) 
Walmart has a limit of 1 bell ringer at the Red Kettle 
Walmart Food Door 
Walmart Home Door 

Register now online, make a joyful noise, and help our neighbors when they need it most, or call Mary at 231-946-4644 ext. 303.

Register to Ring

FAQ

• What is the time commitment?  It varies.  Some groups ring daily, others just once during a holiday season, or as a family or group, you can adopt a specific day and time for the entire Red Kettle season to host that location. We ask you to commit to a minimum two-hour shift.
• Is there an expense for me?  No!  We supply the kettle, kettle stand, apron, and the bells.
• How long is the bell ringing season?  This year, we will ring Monday through Saturday from November 8 until December 24. Red Kettles are out Monday - Saturday, we do not bell ring on Sundays.
• Can I pick my location?  We have a list of Red Kettle host sites and you can select your preferred location from the list.

Fun Ideas

• Sing Christmas carols while you, your friends, or family gather around the kettle.
• Develop a challenge amongst your friends, colleagues, or even rivals to see who can raise more funds. (Think Team A vs. Team B)
• Dress up! Some of our volunteers wear fun holiday clothing!

Click here to see the Top 10 Reasons to Bell Ring 

Click here to donate to our virtual Red Kettle or to set up a personal virtual Red Kettle. 

Click here for more ways to lend a hand and get involved or know someone in need! 

Do you or someone you know need assistance this holiday season? Click here for Holiday Assistance registration information. 

Special Thank you to our Gold Kettle Sponsor: Williams Chevrolet, Honda and Kia