We have all seen them – bright red kettles, hanging from a tripod, with one or more folks steadily ringing a little bell, inviting you to drop in a coin or bill or two for a good cause. For those of us that have spent time ringing those bells, the experience is heartwarming. As in every year, the kettles will be out by Thanksgiving and this is a great opportunity for community groups and organizations to pitch in to make life better for people in need.
We often forget about the people in our communities that are trying to make it in life but need a little help. That is where organizations like the Salvation Army make an impact. Funds raised from the kettles stay in the communities where they are raised, supporting community programs, including food assistance, shelter, utility bills, and holiday gifts for families in need. These are our neighbors.
The Bell Ringing program runs from mid-November through Christmas each year and local Salvation Army Corps Community Centers try to station kettles at as many locations as possible. The challenge for the Salvation Army, however, is finding enough volunteers to ring those bells. If volunteers are not available, paid bell ringers are used – compensated from funds collected in those kettles. In my part of Mississippi, as much as 16% of these funds is used this way. A great goal is to make that zero!
So, my friends, here is a great opportunity to give back to your community by ringing a bell for a great cause this coming holiday season. My local Rotary Club has rung those bells at the local Piggly Wiggly for 10 years now, always on the day after Thanksgiving. To see what people do to try and find change or a bill or two to drop in the kettle is inspiring.
In one of our early years, we watched an elderly lady come into the store, telling us that she would pitch in when she came out. When she did, she told us to hold on, as she walked to her vehicle, put her meager bag of groceries inside, and began a search of her car for change. After opening all the doors and reaching into those places where change falls, she returned, holding a pile of coins, clutch in her two folded hands. It still brings tears to my eyes. We rang the bell even harder after that!
“Service Above Self” is Rotary’s motto, but it is far from the only community organization or group with that goal. Many of our sister Rotary Clubs ring bells in my part of the world. But there are so many others that can help the Salvation Army save all of the kettle funds for their intended purpose.
Please then, consider signing up your community group to ring a bell this year. Churches, scouting units, school groups, garden clubs, and even “ole buzzard men’s groups” that meet for coffee each week, are all welcomed. For our part, my Rotary Club will ring that bell at the “Pig” for double the hours we have in the past. Let’s make the phrase “more hands make light work” mean overflowing kettles. The ache in your wrist will be your badge of honor.
Contact your local Salvation Army Corp Center today.
1st link (highlighted text) is
https://ourmshome.com/a-bell-worth-ringing-for-the-holidays/
2nd link (highlighted text) is
