REGION — Wanted: Salvation Army bell ringers this holiday season.

Where: Shopping malls, stores and street corners and wherever generous people gather.

Job requirements: A welcoming smile and warm holiday cheer.

Compensation: The satisfaction that comes with helping your neighbors and supporting programs that make a difference in their lives all year round.

As the holiday season approaches, The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division is rallying those across the region to sign up as volunteer bell ringers to support those in need after seeing a decrease in volunteer hours. In the fiscal year that ended in September 2022, bell ringer collective volunteer hours decreased by 11.7 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year, totaling a $506,123.49 decrease in in-person donations. This amounts to $91.71 lost per hour at every vacant kettle stand.

The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division experienced a decrease in Red Kettle holiday fundraising revenue of $462,000, or 15 percent, in fiscal year 2022, from $3.5 million the previous year to $3.038 million.

“The money we raise at Christmas isn't just about spreading holiday cheer; it's about ensuring a lifeline of support for those in need throughout the year,” said Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft, divisional commander of The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division. “With your support, the Salvation Army can bridge this gap, ensuring that we continue to provide vital support to our local neighbors struggling to make ends meet this holiday season and beyond." 

Volunteers can sign up on the Division's website for Red Kettle openings in their local community. Individuals and groups are welcome. The funds collected at Red Kettles are invested into local Salvation Army programs and services throughout the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware region year-round, including the holiday season. 

Bell ringing at The Salvation Army dates back to 1900 with Amelia Kunkel, a 16-year-old volunteer in New York City. Frustrated by the many passersby near Wall Street who ignored her kettle stand, she went to a nearby Woolworth’s department store and bought a small bell for 10 cents. After garnering more contributions by ringing the bell, the idea soon spread, starting a holiday tradition that continues today in cities and towns across the nation. 

People can also support by donating online at The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division’s Virtual Red Kettle. New this year, donors can text-to-donate by texting KETTLE to 31333 and entering their local zip code to be directed to the virtual Red Kettle in their community. 

This year’s holiday message from The Salvation Army is “Love Beyond Christmas,” aimed at building awareness for individuals and families who continue to be impacted by poverty during the holiday season and year-round—whether they are homeless, on the verge of eviction, or hungry.

In 2022, The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division served 477,617 people, providing over 4.5 million meals and offering more than 445,000 nights of shelter, giving individuals and families the chance to find solace and "sleep in heavenly peace" throughout the region.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives. Since 1879, The organization has held a record of accomplishment stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual—physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually.  Its programming serves every zip code through 43 community centers and a network of volunteers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Delaware. Programs and services historically include shelter, hot meals, counseling, early childhood development, recreational opportunities, music programs, after-school arts and educational programs, job training, activities for older adults, spiritual development and drug rehabilitation. 

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyPendel.org.