Spread Holiday Cheer for All to Hear

Can you hear the bells? It’s that time of year again; the time to spread holiday cheer for all to hear. As a frosty chill blankets the mitten state, a familiar sound can be heard at 470 storefronts across metro Detroit this Christmas season. The Salvation Army’s famous red kettles are back and we’re calling on our community to ring a bell for those in need.

Bell ringers are an integral part of The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign. Just one hour of bell ringing supports three meals and one night of shelter for our unemployed, homeless and hungry neighbors. Best of all, the funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign remain in the community they are given, helping The Salvation Army to maintain vital community programs and services throughout metro Detroit.

If you are considering volunteering your time as a bell ringer this holiday season, please visit www.ringbell.org to view a full list of available dates, times and locations convenient for you and your schedule.

New to bell ringing? Check out these great tips to help you make the most of your contribution:

Baby, It’s Cold Outside:

Bundle up! Dress in layers and don’t forget a thick coat, warm hat, gloves and a scarf. One-time-use heating packs can be purchased from any major retailers or sporting goods stores, and fit perfectly in your gloves to keep your hands toasty in the chilly winter weather.

Have a favorite holiday character? Make your volunteer time a festive experience by dressing up. Kids will flock to Santa or Mrs. Claus and parents will appreciate the extra effort.

Rockin’ Around the Red Kettle:

Get passers-by in the spirit with the hum of a harmonica or the blare of a trumpet. Check with your local Salvation Army to see if your instrument of choice is approved by the red kettle storefront you have been assigned.

Have the voice of an angel? Gather your friends and family to join you in singing Christmas carols, but please leave the radios and CD players at home, as most storefronts do not allow them.

Jingle All the Way:

Every volunteer has his/her own style when it comes to bell ringing. Be sure to 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.

Don’t want to hold a bell? Hold your phone instead. The Salvation Army Bellringer iPhone app is a fun way to play bell ringer and help The Salvation Army continue Doing the Most Good. With different musical notes to choose from, users can create unique sounds, play favorite holiday songs, or create on-the-spot jingles.

#GiveHope:

Although the red kettle bells are a Salvation Army staple when it comes to spreading holiday cheer, the power of social media can help enhance this long-time tradition and get our message out to the world. The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division encourages its volunteer bell ringers to share their favorite red kettle moments through their personal Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Use hashtag #GiveHope and tag @SALMICH to encourage friends and family to stop by and donate during your bell ringing shift, and inspire others to lend a hand by ringing a bell for The Salvation Army this holiday season.

Making Spirits Bright:

A friendly smile is the perfect way to draw people in. Wish folks a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays as they pass by and don’t forget to thank them for their donation.

Let There Be Peace on Earth:

Don’t take it personally if people avoid eye contact or do 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. So keep smiling and ring on.

Silent Night:

At the end of your shift, leave your bell and apron with the kettle and feel free to be on your way. No need to wait for the next volunteer or a donation truck, the kettles are locked up tightly and will be safe until they can be picked up by The Salvation Army.

With your help, lives can change for the better. So ring your bell. Share your hope. And help The Salvation Army continue Doing the Most Good in metro Detroit.

Want to help but can’t volunteer to ring a real bell? Consider creating a virtual red kettle instead! Visit www.onlineredkettle.com for more information.

To make a tax deductible contribution to The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign:

• Visit www.salmich.org
• Call 877-SAL-MICH
• Text "SALMICH" TO 80888* (an automatic $10 donation)
• Send a check or money order, made payable to The Salvation Army, to: 16130 Northland Dr., Southfield, MI 48075

Thank you for your support of The Salvation Army and the Red Kettle Campaign this holiday season.

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