Seven Tips For Volunteer Bell Ringers (The Last One Might Just Make You A Lucky Winner!)
As a chill starts to come over metro Detroit, many of us will begin to hear those familiar bells ringing every time we visit our favorite stores. That’s right! The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles will be out in your communities raising funds to support critical social services and programs to our neighbors in need. But, we need your help as a volunteer bell ringer!
Bell ringers make a big difference in their own communities during Red Kettle season, as the funds support programs in the areas where they are raised. Our fundraising goal for the 2019 Red Kettle Campaign is $8 million.
For those considering volunteering, our best bell ringers put together these tips to help first-timers enjoy their experience with the famous red kettle.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside: It’s encouraged that volunteers bundle up with thick coats and warm hats, gloves and scarves. Pick up some one-time-use heating packs as well, which fit perfectly into your gloves and shoes. These air-activated heating packs are available in most super stores and can save your hands from the worst of the cold. The cold weather is a reminder that some of our neighbors may not have a warm place to go home to like others do.
Jingle Bell Rock: Get passers-by in the spirit by playing Christmas music from a radio or Bluetooth speaker. You can even ring your bell to the beat to catch the attention of potential donors! Playlists featuring popular Christmas hits like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Johnny Marks or “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano are always exciting! Be respectful of the location where you’re ringing – some storefronts don’t allow it.
Here Comes Santa Claus: Make your volunteer time extra fun by dressing up as a character from a Christmas movie favorite, such as Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, or even Buddy the Elf! Kids love interacting with ringers in-character and the parents will appreciate the extra effort.
All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth: Flash your pearly whites! Nothing is more inviting than a warm smile, eye contact, and a friendly greeting. People will be more receptive to happy, friendly bell ringers – whether they donate or not.
Do You Hear What I Hear? Every volunteer has his/her own style when it comes to bell ringing. But always grip the handle tight – slippery bells are more common than you would think, especially with gloves on! Oh, and avoid ‘bell elbow’ by holding the bell by your side and ringing it up and down in a relaxed manner.
Let There Be Peace on Earth: Don’t take it personally or be discouraged if someone doesn’t make eye contact, doesn’t smile back at you, or avoids you. Smile and ring on – and thank every person who does make a donation!
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Every time you complete a two-hour bell ringing shift, you’ll earn one entry into our Ring For Bling giveaway, presented by our friends at iHeartMedia Detroit! Lucido Fine Jewelry has generously donated six diamond necklaces from their exclusive collection valued at $1,000 each to be given to random volunteers. The more you ring, the better your chance at bling – so sign up for multiple shifts at RegisterToRing.com and spread cheer all season long!
We’re grateful for everyone who donates their time to support their community through The Salvation Army. Our mission is to lead the Fight For Good by providing a wide range of initiatives and critical social services to those in need throughout the year.
Interested in becoming a bell ringer? Visit RegisterToRing.com to sign up today!
Or, want to make a donation to support The Salvation Army? Click here to make a direct impact.
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