The bells will soon be ringing at local grocery stores, department stores and malls. Yes, that familiar jingle of The Salvation Army bell will be summoning people to remember those facing hardship during the holiday season.
To ensure that we have enough bellringers, we are kicking off our search for bellringers early this year. Businesses throughout the area have generously provided kettle sites and we have been working behind the scenes to find bellringers who will sacrifice their precious time. Now, we are asking the public to help. In short, we need you. said Lt.Roger Miller, commanding officer of The Salvation Army in Saratoga Springs.
Bellringers come in all shapes and sizes and from a variety of venues. `We partner with local churches, schools, service clubs, and even companies who volunteer their employees for a few hours. We also reach out to our retired citizens and college students. Anyone who has a few hours and who wants to make a personal sacrifice to help those in need is welcome to make joyful noise this holiday season,` said Miller.
The Red Kettle Campaign is a yearly fundraising effort that raises money to help local families and individuals in times of need.
`Whether they need food from the food pantry or someone to guide them emotionally through hard times, we try to be there for them,` said Miller. Money that bellringers raise remains here to help with local services and programs.
`It is our most important fundraising effort of the year and helps, not only with seasonal needs like food, toys and gifts for our nursing home residents, but throughout the year in a variety of Salvation Army services,` he said.
Bell ringing begins in mid-November and will continue until Dec. 24.
Anyone wishing to help can call the local Salvation Army at 584-1640 or The Red Kettle Center any time, day or night, at 1-877-764-7259, or go to www.redkettles.org and fill in the volunteer form online.“