Salvation Army of Washtenaw County Seeks Holiday Bell Ringers

The Salvation Army’s is looking for interested people, schools and community clubs to volunteer as bell ringers this Christmas season.

Volunteers are needed to fill shifts at the nonprofit’s 35 Washtenaw County red kettle locations through Dec. 24, excluding Sundays. Volunteers are asked to donate a minimum of two hours of time, although longer shifts are possible.

"The success of the Salvation Army of Washtenaw County's red kettle campaign depends largely on volunteer bell ringers, and shifts are available for individuals and groups of all sizes," Angela Hernandez, public relations spokeswoman said in a press release.

Major John Williams said the need for donations this year has increased from previous years.

"The need for assistance is great this year," Williams said in a previous interview. "We're up 80 percent just in people looking for food assistance, and many of those have never walked through our doors before.

"What we're seeing is more young, educated adults having to choose between paying their light bill or feeding their family."

The red kettle campaign is The Salvation Army's main fundraiser, comprising 80 percent of the organization's budget to help local families, especially during the holidays.

"Our goal is to raise $300,000, which is the same goal as last year," Williams said. "Realistically we decided it would not be productive to raise the goal this year due to the economy and people having to stretch their dollars more."

To sign up as a volunteer bell ringer visit www.registertoring.com/washtenaw to view and register for available shifts.

Here are some tips for first-time bell ringers:

• Keep warm: It’s encouraged that volunteers bundle up and layer, with moisture-wicking material as your first layer. Don’t forget thick coats and warm hats, gloves and scarves. Pick up some one-time-use heating packs as well, which fit perfectly into your gloves and shoes.
• Get creative: Get passers-by in the spirit of giving by bringing a battery-operated CD player to share popular, upbeat holiday songs. You can even ring your bell to the beat to catch the attention of potential donors.
• Dress up: Make your volunteer time a festive experience by dressing up as your favorite holiday character. Kids will flock to Santa or Mrs. Claus and the parents will appreciate the extra effort. Take it a step further by bringing your dog and dressing him/her up as your reindeer. (Some stores do not allow this).
• Avoid bell elbow: Every volunteer has a particular style when it comes to bell ringing. Keep a firm grip on the handle to avoid the bell slipping out of your hand – it happens more than you would think. To avoid "bell elbow," hold the bell by your side and ring it up and down in a relaxed manner.
• Stay positive: Don’t take it personally if someone avoids eye contact or does not smile back at you. They may not have any extra money to give and feel embarrassed. Remember, any negative feelings will impede your effort to raise money for this worthy cause.
• Virtual bell ringer: Don’t want to hold a bell? Hold your phone instead. The Salvation Army’s bellringer iPhone app is a fun way to play bellringer, donate and help The Salvation Army. With different musical notes to choose from, users can create unique sounds, play their favorite holiday songs, or make up an on-the-spot jingle.