Virginia Salvation Army loses bell ringing location, needs your help
Due to the closing of the local K-Mart, the Virginia Salvation Army will lose a bell ringing location this year. Last year, K-Mart alone brought in nearly 10 percent of donations. The hope is to double the efforts at the remaining locations to make up for any potential loss.
“K-Mart was a lucrative kettle location. It would be nice to see an increase at the seven other kettle locations in town to make up for it,” Wise said.
If the potential for a cold, bitter winter has prevented you from being a bell ringing volunteer in the past, it’s understandable. But this year, five of the kettle locations will be indoors. No matter the weather outside, you’ll be comfortable bell ringing inside in a temperature-controlled environment.
For Iron Rangers who’d rather bundle up and experience all that winter has to offer, there are locations devoted to you, too. Bell ringing will remain outdoors at both Walmart entrances, where you can still get your full winter volunteer fix.
“We definitely will need winter warriors to take on the Walmart doors,” smiled Wise.
The kettle kickoff is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 18. That’s the first day kettles will be out and bell ringing volunteers will be needed all the way through Christmas Eve. With almost 2,000 volunteer hours to fill, many bell ringers will be needed.
Please sign up to bell ring today. Be sure to enlist the help of your friends, family, and coworkers. Your volunteer time can mean the difference between a home and homelessness or an empty stomach and one that is full.