Salvation Army needs bell ringers

Salvation Army needs bell ringers

The Salvation Army is expecting a substantial increase in requests for assistance this holiday season, and with such demands, comes a critical need for bell ringer volunteers.

"We are facing a very tough winter," Lt. Col. Norman E. Wood, divisional commander of The Salvation Army, Empire State Division, which oversees services in 48 upstate New York counties said. "We all deal with the reality of high heating costs, high gasoline prices and the general increase in the cost of living. Imagine the plight of low-income families. They may have to make some difficult choices - pay the heating bill, buy food or get gas to get to work. The Salvation Army wants to lighten that burden for struggling families and individuals; but, we can only do that with the help of the community."

With demand for services expected to increase, the need to raise additional funds during the Annual Red Kettle Campaign is critical. "Bell ringer volunteers are essential to the success of the campaign and to services. We need the community to step up and offer assistance," he said. With the recent hurricanes, people around the country have been generous beyond expectations. "Because of such generosity, The Salvation Army has been able to do the job there day and night, providing food, blankets, supplies, direction and guidance to thousands of homeless victims. Now, we need to focus on our own community where we have families and individuals facing personal crises, dealing with unemployment and struggling with increased costs of daily living," he said.

The money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign is used locally to assist families and individuals in times of crisis. They receive food and a variety of other services which help them through the hard winter months.

The Army is seeking groups and individuals to assist with ringing the bells at kettle sites. The bell ringing will begin in mid-November and will continue until Christmas Eve.

Anyone wishing to help can call the local Salvation Army or The Red Kettle Center, toll-free 24 hours a day at 1-877-733-6041 or go to www.redkettles.org and fill in the volunteer form on-line.