Just two hours of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign during the holidays raises an average of over $100. The familiar red kettles have come out each November since 1891, staying out through Christmas Eve and raising millions each year for those in need.
A critical fundraiser for the organization, more area bell ringers are still needed this season.
Clear Valley Business Connection (CVBC) secretary Jenny Massmann, American Heritage National Bank, received information on the campaign and thought it would be a great way to give back to the community. She sent out an email to CVBC members encouraging them to sign up as bell ringers.
Thursday saw Massmann, CVBC president Lori Johnson, Johnson Materials, and Garrett Urhammer, Franklin Outdoor, braving the cold and energetically ringing bells for the cause outside Coborn’s in Clearwater.
Urhammer had grown up volunteering for the campaign through church and Boy Scouts.
“It’s a fun time,” he said. “I enjoy doing it. Bells make people happy”
“It’s great to see the joy on people’s faces as they’re donating and you tell them ‘Merry Christmas,’ said Johnson.
The St. Cloud Salvation Army assists Central Minnesota residents with a wide range of basic needs services, including a midday meal program and an emergency overnight shelter. In addition, they operate a food shelf during the week and lead worship services every Sunday.
The impact of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign for just two hours serves 50-80 people a nutritious meal, assists 30 clients in need of emergency groceries, provides a family two nights of lodging and more. To learn more about the impact of volunteering locally visit stcloudsa.org.
Groups and individuals can sign up at www.RegisterToRing.com or call 320-257-7437.
