November 5, 2014 at 3:58 p.m.
Salvation Army looking for bell ringers
Salvation Army looking for bell ringers
By Kayla Thomason-
Those who sign up can chose a two-hour shift between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Trig's, Walgreens, Walmart or Shopko. Volunteers are welcome to work their shift with friends, colleagues, family or as an organization.
Walgreens is a new location this year and Shopko is the only one that allows bell ringing indoors.
The next bell-ringing day will be Nov. 15. After that, bell ringing will be in full swing from Nov. 21. through Dec. 20.
"(Nov.) 8th and the 15th are new days for us because last year it was so cold that donations were down and so we're hoping to maybe beat the freeze," said Kim Swisher, 2014 Kettle Campaign Coordinator.
Weekday bell-ringing hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Weekend hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no bell ringing on Sundays. Swisher recommends that people dress warm.
"I think that it is a truly gratifying feeling when you're giving to your community and I've never had anyone share bad experiences," she said.
Last year's Salvation Army bell-ringing campaign raised $29,386.25. The donations were used to assist 355 Rhinelander adults and children with housing, medical and transportation challenges.
The Frederick Place homeless shelter and the school backpack program are two of the many programs that received funds. Almost 200 students were provided with school supplies this past September as a result of last year's campaign, Swisher said.
"The need [for assistance] is growing, it's up 39 percent over last year and I think that's huge. I really think that we need to help our community wherever we can and two hours to ring the bell (is) a lot of fun and people are very generous. (I) think the time will go by quickly," Swisher said.
For every dollar collected $0.86 stays in Rhinelander. The remainder is used for state and national relief efforts.
The Salvation Army partnered with ACES (Area Churches for Emergency Services) so the churches can pool all the donations and distribute the funds.
The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 by William Booth, a London minister. It is a non-denominational Christian organization.
"For Rhinelander ringing the bell is just hearing that national camaraderie of caring for our community," Swisher said.
To register for a time slot, visit http://oneidawi.volunteerfirst.org. To volunteer at Shopko, call Jan Leschke at (715) 362-7157.
For more information on the campaign, call Swisher at (715) 437-0465 or email her at [email protected].
The website, which is updated daily, shows which shifts are available.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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