10 tips to bell ringing success
It’s that time of year again and we are in need of bell ringers – a lot of them! On average, our red kettles make $30 an hour. To put that in perspective, two hours spent volunteering at one of our kettles will provide a weeks worth of groceries for a family. Now that’s what we call ‘making a difference.’
Before you start, we want to give you a few tips for for bell ringing success at our kettles.
- Dress in layers. Start by dressing like you’re about to scale Mt. Everest. The temperature seriously feels this cold sometimes. It’s better to be prepared than to be too cold. If outside temperatures warm up, you can always shed a few layers.
- Check your attitude. You’ve volunteered your precious time to help make our community a better place to live. Every person who walks towards your kettle is meeting you for the first time. This is your opportunity to brighten their day and inspire them to help those in need.
- Be gracious. We don’t get to put our kettles anywhere we choose. We’re invited to ring at the stores so be sure to say “thank you.” Also be kind to everyone, even those who choose not to give.
- Eat or smoke prior to your ringing shift. You’ll find it hard to make conversation with visitors when you’re preoccupied with what’s in your mouth.
- Be creative. No one ever said you had to stand in one place your entire shift. If you have a fun act that would inspire people to give, use it!
- Show your Christmas spirit. It’s Christmas time – show your cheer! Put a smile on your face and wish everyone “Merry Christmas.”
- Invite a friend. Find that a solo ringing gig is a little intimidating? Grab a friend and invite them to volunteer with you.
- Leave pets at home. You love your pet and so does everyone else you know. Even if you have the sweetest pet, we ask that you leave him or her at home. There are people out there who just don’t like pets regardless of how friendly they are.
- Stick to kettle talk. If anyone asks about Salvation Army policy, theology or positions, refer them to the SalvationArmyNorth.org. There they can find answers to many common questions or learn how to contact us directly. You’re there to encourage people to help feed hungry families and make the community a better place to live, not to have larger, more complicated conversations.
- Take Pictures and Tweet at us. We want to see how you’re doing, especially if you followed tip #5. Let’s make this fun while doing the most good. Follow us on Twitter at @salarmynorth.
It’s easy to get started. Find an available shift that fits into your schedule and is at a location near you. Now you’re ready to help those in need.