10 Reasons to Bell Ring During the Salvation Army Red Kettle Season
Pam Callan, The Great Lakes Division's Bell Ringing Ambassador
You see them every year outside stores while you prepare for Christmas: the smiling faces of Salvation Army bell ringers. They wear festive attire and the iconic blue apron, and make a joyful noise despite the cold.
Have you ever considered joining them but aren't sure it is right for you? Here are ten great reasons to bell ring this red kettle season:
1. You’ll Be Part of Changing Lives
Bell Ringing is a great way to give a priceless gift of help, hope, and comfort to 1000’s of individuals and families who turn to The Salvation Army across The Great Lakes Division. The ringing of The Salvation Army bell is not just a sound of a bell...it’s the sound of curing hunger, the sound of Christmas to a child in need, the sound of a safe place for our neighbors to sleep. It is the sound of help, hope, and comfort to our neighbors when they need it most during the holidays and beyond.
2. Doing Good in Your Community
Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar collected in your community stays local and supports local Salvation Army programs. By helping raise funds through a Red Kettle, you’re a neighbor helping your neighbors.
3. Impacting Neighbors
Did you know that donating 2 hours of your priceless time generates $80-$100+. That means 80+ meals or a safe warm home to a family for a month, or providing 3 underprivileged children the opportunity to attend summer camp!
4. You’ll Be Spreading Christmas Cheer
The Red Kettle bell is an iconic sound of the season. It really doesn’t feel like Christmas until you hear the first bell ringing. You can be a part of sharing holiday joy by providing the sounds of the season. You’ll put people in the Christmas spirit and you get to be right in the midst of the holiday bustle spreading joy. Get creative – dress up, sing Christmas Carols, bring your friends, family, or co-workers.
5. Hear Uplifting Stories from People Impacted by The Salvation Army
When people walk by the kettles, more often than not, they stop by with a story to tell. Whether they were once helped by The Salvation Army, used to volunteer or know someone who was a recipient of some sort of service, the stories they share are enlightening and uplifting.
6. Make New Friends and Warm the Heart
You’ll get to meet lots of new people as you invite them to donate to your red kettle. Add to the fun by asking friends and family to ring a bell with you. You can even make it a new family tradition! For every time you thank someone for their donation you will be gratefully thanked for ringing the bell!
7. Know Your Impact
Our Red Kettle coordinators work hard to track daily Red Kettle donations and can share how much you and other ringers raised at a location! We want your donation of your priceless time to be as incredibly rewarding to you as an individual/group as it is to our programs and those we serve.
8. Christmas Fun
Christmas Caroling and Wacky Christmas Sweaters are some of the best parts of the holiday season. Nothing says, “It’s Christmastime” like hearing people singing or playing their favorite holiday tunes or dressed in their favorite Christmas Sweater, Santa or Mrs. Clause, elf or reindeer costume.
9. Channel Your Competitive Side
It is easy to see have your efforts are paying off as your Red Kettle begins to fill. Set a personal goal of how many people you can get to stop at your Red Kettle or a personal fundraising goal.
10. Be Part of a Legacy
The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign has been a Christmas tradition since 1891. Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee set out a kettle to raise funds to feed the hungry in San Francisco. Now, The Salvation Army and Red Kettles can be found all over the world.
Signing up to Bell Ring is easy - simply visit Register to Ring.com. Check it out - select your favorite location, dates, and times, set up an account (you only have to ever do this once) make your selections and you are ready to ring! You will also get a text reminder of your location and shift! You can also email GLDVolunteer@usc.salvationarmy.org or call 248-443-5500.
Click here to make a secure donation to our Virtual Red Kettle.
Click here for more volunteer opportunities.