Salvation Army seeking Red Kettle volunteers
(Courtesy photo) Its the bell ringing time of year when the Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to take bell ringer shifts through Christmas Eve to benefit local families and individual in need throughout the year.
SANDPOINT — Volunteering to ring the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is something everyone should do at least once, said Janice Coquillard, regional Salvation Army field representative.
"Ninety-nine percent of people who ring the bell really have a great time doing it," Coquillard said.
Local volunteers are needed to take two-hour shifts at Walmart, Safeway, Yoke's and Super 1 Foods. The campaign begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve. While Coquillard said they suggest volunteers ring the bell Fridays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., people are encouraged to volunteer any time or day they have available.
Groups, such as service clubs, banks or churches are encouraged to sign up, because they can sometimes take an entire day in shifts. Individuals are, of course, welcome to volunteer as well, even if it is only for an hour or two, Coquillard said.
The equipment is located at the store and volunteers are not required to count donations or solicit. They just need to show up, greet people and have a "great time," Coquillard said.
"And the donations that we raise go back into the community," Coquillard said. "... It's the community helping each other really."
The donations help local individuals and families with food, gas, utilities, rent, prescriptions, clothing and lodging. The Salvation Army also sends area children from low-income families to its summer camp, Camp Gifford, near Spokane each year using some of the donations. This summer, 16 Sandpoint youth attended the week-long camp at a cost of $25, with the remaining $350 cost covered by the Salvation Army. Also, 150 backpacks were provided to local schools this year for families in need and 150 low-income families will be assisted with boots and socks for children this winter.
The annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign started in San Francisco in 1891 by one man — Capt. Joseph McFee. He made a commitment to feed 1,000 of the city's poorest individuals on Christmas Day. During his travels, McFee had seen an iron kettle called "Simpson's Pot" at Stage Landing in Liverpool, England, where people would toss in coins to help the poor.
After placing a similar kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing on San Francisco Bay with a sign that said, "Keep the Pot Boiling," McFee was able to fulfill his commitment to those in need. Since then, the campaign has grown across the country and the world.
To become a local volunteer, call Glenna Roberts at 208-263-8598.
Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.