VOLUNTEER TO RING BELLS FOR THE SALVATION ARMY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Individuals in Grand Rapids can help The Salvation Army of Kent County make sure that Hope Marches On this Christmas season by signing up to become a volunteer bell ringer. Registrations to ring the organization’s iconic bells are now open, although actual bell ringing will not start until after The Salvation Army of Kent County officially opens its Red Kettle Campaign on Nov. 12.
Community members can sign up themselves, their family, or their group at RegisterToRing.com. This year, more than 50 sites – including Walmart and Sam’s Club stores – in all corners of Kent County will need volunteers to sign up for two-hour shifts.
The red kettles are an essential component to The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, helping to bring awareness to the needs of our community. In 2020, a combined total of $291,675.90 was generously donated across 42 kettle sites in Kent County. Volunteer bell ringers in Kent County last year raised an average of $97.45/hour. That nearly $100 is enough to provide – for example – food for four families, a week of day camp, or two and a half hours of counseling.
“Bell ringing at a red kettle is rooted in The Salvation Army’s long history and it remains one of the best ways for our community to engage with us in our promise of Doing the Most Good,” Divisional Commander Major Glen Caddy said. “Ringing spreads Christmas joy while helping to raise vital funds our neighbors rely on.”
Individuals or groups may also sign up to be a virtual bell ringer and elicit funds in an online peer-to-peer format. Register below!
All money collected at kettles and during the Red Kettle Campaign support The Salvation Army of Kent County’s year-round programs and services. This includes those that supply emergency food assistance, offer housing resources and energy bill assistance, support individuals struggling with substance use disorder through the Adult Rehabilitation Center and Turning Point Programs, provide programs that impact people of all ages at the Kroc Center and Fulton Heights Corps, and support disaster victims when catastrophe strikes. The Salvation Army also offers additional help at Christmastime, providing new toys to children and financial gifts to families.
The red kettle tradition began in 1891 as a way for Captain Joseph McFee of The Salvation Army to provide funds for a Christmas dinner for those who were poverty stricken in San Francisco. Throughout the world, public contributions to red kettles enable The Salvation Army to continue its year-round efforts at helping those in need.
