How to Be a Salvation Army Volunteer Bell Ringer at Christmas
A Guide to Successfully Volunterring to Be a Salvation Army Bell Ringer During the Holiday Season
For more than 100 years, the Salvation Army's Red Kettles have been a Christmas tradition in cities and towns across America, making their way into movies and popular culture. The Salvation Army often looks for volunteers to be a part of this tradition to man the Red Kettles and be Salvation Army bell ringers in many locations around the country during the holiday season.
Red Kettle Christmas Campaign
The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign enables the Army to provide food, toys and clothing to over 6 million people during the Christmas season. The Red Kettle tradition goes back to 1891 in San Francisco when Captain Joseph McPhee of The Salvation Army wanted to treat the area's poor to a free Christmas dinner. He placed a donation pot at the heavily-trafficked Oakland Ferry landing in a highly visible location. That tradition spread across the United States and then around the world.
Some areas may have guidelines or handouts for Salvation Army volunteers, but many areas do not. This list should help you in situations where there are no Red Kettle guidelines.
Top Ten Tips for Being a Salvation Army Red Kettle Volunteer
1. Contact the Salvation Army
Contact your local Salvation Army office for local volunteer opportunities. There is a special RingBells website set up for bell ringers to find and volunteer at local branches.
2. Dress Appropriately for the Weather
Check the weather and dress warmly enough for cold days. In most cases, you will be partly or completely outside, so dress accordingly. Warm layers including hats, scarves, boots and gloves are recommended on cold, snowy or rainy days and sunglasses on sunny days.
3. Dress Appropriately for the Season & Surroundings
Check the area where you will be ringing and dress appropriately for that part of town. In a business district wear professional-looking attire if possible. Also, holiday clothes including Santa hats and full Santa suits seem to be considered appropriate bell ringer attire everywhere.
4. Dress Appropriately for Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes or boots. The shift where I volunteered for the Nashville Salvation Army was three hours straight standing on your feet, so wear shoes you can stand in for the full duration of your shift.
5. Show Up on Time and Remain for Your Full Shift
You can also share a shift with a friend if you want to split your shift with someone. Make sure someone is ALWAYS with the kettle.
6. Allow Time for the Kettle Driver to Arrive
Since a kettle driver is usually dropping several kettles off for shifts that start and end at the same time, allow 10 - 15 minutes at the start and conclusion of your shift for the Salvation Army representative to come by with your kettle or to relieve you after your shift.
7. Never Leave the Kettle Unattended
The kettle has money in it so never leave it unattended. When your shift is over, wait for another bell ringer, or a Salvation Army representative to relieve you and take the kettle. In an emergency, you can take the kettle with you for a break or leave it with the business closest to your kettle location and ask them to hold it for or the Salvation Army representative.
8. Don't Eat, Smoke or Talk on Your Cell Phone
Don't eat, smoke or talk on your cell phone during your shift. Bell ringers should be focused on the people around them, smiling, establishing eye contact, thanking them, spreading holiday cheer...and keeping an eye on the money.
9. Ring Your Bell and Smile!
Ring your bell, smile and make eye contact with pedestrians. Thank everyone who donates, and wish them a Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday. Feel free to add "God bless you" or "Have a nice day" or other appropriate greeting.
10. In Case of Emergency, Bad Weather or Illness
In case of emergency, bad weather or illness, contact your local Kettle Coordinator or Area Command Office as soon as possible. Be sure you have their number on hand.
Being a Salvation Army bell ringer is a fun and worthwhile way to spend a few hours during the Christmas holiday season if you follow these tips and use common sense.
You can read my personal experiences kicking off the Downtown Nashville Red Kettle Drive for the Salvation Army by clicking Here.
Red Kettle Christmas Campaign
The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign enables the Army to provide food, toys and clothing to over 6 million people during the Christmas season. The Red Kettle tradition goes back to 1891 in San Francisco when Captain Joseph McPhee of The Salvation Army wanted to treat the area's poor to a free Christmas dinner. He placed a donation pot at the heavily-trafficked Oakland Ferry landing in a highly visible location. That tradition spread across the United States and then around the world.
Some areas may have guidelines or handouts for Salvation Army volunteers, but many areas do not. This list should help you in situations where there are no Red Kettle guidelines.
Top Ten Tips for Being a Salvation Army Red Kettle Volunteer
1. Contact the Salvation Army
Contact your local Salvation Army office for local volunteer opportunities. There is a special RingBells website set up for bell ringers to find and volunteer at local branches.
2. Dress Appropriately for the Weather
Check the weather and dress warmly enough for cold days. In most cases, you will be partly or completely outside, so dress accordingly. Warm layers including hats, scarves, boots and gloves are recommended on cold, snowy or rainy days and sunglasses on sunny days.
3. Dress Appropriately for the Season & Surroundings
Check the area where you will be ringing and dress appropriately for that part of town. In a business district wear professional-looking attire if possible. Also, holiday clothes including Santa hats and full Santa suits seem to be considered appropriate bell ringer attire everywhere.
4. Dress Appropriately for Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes or boots. The shift where I volunteered for the Nashville Salvation Army was three hours straight standing on your feet, so wear shoes you can stand in for the full duration of your shift.
5. Show Up on Time and Remain for Your Full Shift
You can also share a shift with a friend if you want to split your shift with someone. Make sure someone is ALWAYS with the kettle.
6. Allow Time for the Kettle Driver to Arrive
Since a kettle driver is usually dropping several kettles off for shifts that start and end at the same time, allow 10 - 15 minutes at the start and conclusion of your shift for the Salvation Army representative to come by with your kettle or to relieve you after your shift.
7. Never Leave the Kettle Unattended
The kettle has money in it so never leave it unattended. When your shift is over, wait for another bell ringer, or a Salvation Army representative to relieve you and take the kettle. In an emergency, you can take the kettle with you for a break or leave it with the business closest to your kettle location and ask them to hold it for or the Salvation Army representative.
8. Don't Eat, Smoke or Talk on Your Cell Phone
Don't eat, smoke or talk on your cell phone during your shift. Bell ringers should be focused on the people around them, smiling, establishing eye contact, thanking them, spreading holiday cheer...and keeping an eye on the money.
9. Ring Your Bell and Smile!
Ring your bell, smile and make eye contact with pedestrians. Thank everyone who donates, and wish them a Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday. Feel free to add "God bless you" or "Have a nice day" or other appropriate greeting.
10. In Case of Emergency, Bad Weather or Illness
In case of emergency, bad weather or illness, contact your local Kettle Coordinator or Area Command Office as soon as possible. Be sure you have their number on hand.
Being a Salvation Army bell ringer is a fun and worthwhile way to spend a few hours during the Christmas holiday season if you follow these tips and use common sense.
You can read my personal experiences kicking off the Downtown Nashville Red Kettle Drive for the Salvation Army by clicking Here.
Published by Kathryn E. Darden
An author, poet, publisher, publicist & skincare consultant, I have written for publications including CCM Magazine, The Tennessean, Barbie Bazaar Magazine, Christian Activities & several local newspapers.... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentCool info!
Excellent article idea to begin with and you wrote it very well. The use of headers keeps the article organized, easy and fun to read, as well as visually - pleasing. Very good work.