In-Person, Virtual Volunteers Wanted: The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit Seeks Red Kettle Bellringers
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (Oct. 20, 2020) — The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is launching a volunteer recruitment initiative to Rescue Christmas and help raise $8 million to feed and shelter metro Detroit’s most vulnerable citizens.
The ‘Watch for Good’ campaign offers Salvation Army supporters an opportunity to win an Apple or Android smartwatch, valued at approximately $300, when they sign up to volunteer at RegistertoRing.com as either a virtual or in-person red kettle bellringer this Christmas season. Two lucky individuals will be randomly chosen as winners of the ‘Watch for Good’ promotion at the conclusion of the 2020 Red Kettle Campaign. Both watches are generously donated by an anonymous supporter.
For virtual bellringers:
Signup to volunteer at RegisterToRing.com.
Host a virtual kettle and fundraise on behalf of The Salvation Army
Virtual kettles can be created at any time and date, up until Christmas Eve.
For in-person bellringers:
Signup to volunteer at RegisterToRing.com.
Each bellringing shift is approximately two hours
Bellringing shifts are available Monday through Saturday, except Sundays and Thanksgiving Day. Times vary, depending on the location.
Red kettles will be displayed at storefronts in metro Detroit starting Friday, Nov. 13 through Thursday, Dec. 24.
Volunteers who wish to take part in the ‘Watch for Good’ promotion will earn one entry into a drawing for the opportunity to win one of the smartwatches after hosting their own virtual kettle or completing a two-hour bellringing shift during the 2020 Red Kettle Campaign.
“Volunteers help support The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s ability to provide for our community throughout the year,” said Major Timothy Meyer, general secretary, metro Detroit area commander and chief operating officer of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “We are blessed with incredible supporters, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been able to continue our volunteer efforts this year through virtual bellringing, or safely ringing at a physical red kettle site.”
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army is taking safety precautions with in-person volunteers by adhering to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) health and safety guidelines. All kettle equipment will be cleaned prior to use in accordance to local recommendations, and all volunteers are required to:
Remain at home if they exhibit any symptoms, or if they have had any known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, in the last 14 days.
Watch a national training video before reporting for a shift that includes how to safely perform their duties and engage with the public in a COVID environment.
Wear a mask or face covering during their shift. Bellringers will be provided masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) if they do not have their own.
Maintain social distancing as individuals approach a kettle.
Not have any physical contact with any donations or individuals.
Supporters are encouraged to donate at the red kettles via Kettle Pay, a contactless donation option through Apple or Google Pay.
The Salvation Army’s ability to raise vital funds to serve those in need is at risk this year due to the impact and economic hardships caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Funds raised by The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Red Kettle Campaign will directly benefit communities throughout Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Proceeds also provide more than feeding and sheltering those in need. Additionally, donations go toward supporting critical social services and programs throughout the year, including outdoor and educational opportunities for children, Pathway of Hope, William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, Emergency Disaster Services and more.
Individuals can contribute to The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Red Kettle Campaign by:
Texting GIFT to 24365
Visiting www.salmich.org
Calling 877-SAL-MICH
Sending a check, made payable to The Salvation Army, to; 16130 Northland Dr., Southfield, MI 48075
About The Salvation Army
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. This past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 2,535,013 meals and 579,920 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.87 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at salmich.org.
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