Bell Ringing: It's An Art
Once the Christmas season arrives, the Red Kettles and their bell ringers hit the streets. And that constant jingle-jangle of the little gold bell provides the soundtrack for the Christmas season.
Bell Ringing is really an art. Sure, anyone can stand at our famous Red Kettles and ring a bell. You just have to be bundled up, friendly and have your bell ringing arm in shape. But it’s those people who sing, dance, and bring extra joy to the experience who elevate Bell Ringing to an art form.
“Bell Ringing is about bringing spirit to the Kettle,” said Steve Hill, Kettle Campaign Manager for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. “We’ve seen that singing Christmas carols brings most people back to that special time with their families. Sometimes they’ll even join you in singing. That is what captures the spirit. That is the art.”
The Salvation Army is lucky to have many Bell Ringers who bring the holiday pomp and circumstance to their Kettle. Like first-time Ringers, Ryan and Kelly, who rang at a Jewel-Osco in Cary and embraced the holiday spirit. Ryan dressed up in a Santa costume and they sang along with their Christmas soundtrack. “This is our first year, and we wanted to do it right!” said Ryan.
George from Norridge has decorated his kettle with tinsel and lights for years. “When you're young you take so much, so now it's time to give back,” he said.
You, too, can share your warmth and holiday joy by volunteering to be a Bell Ringer. Simply register and pick your date, time and location. But hurry: this is the last week to ring bells (12/23 is the final day for the Red Kettles to be out and about)!