The Salvation Army of Troup County today issued an urgent plea for volunteer bell ringers to staff the iconic Red Kettles throughout the holiday season. The annual Red Kettle Campaign, the organization’s largest fundraiser, officially begins on November 3, but a significant shortage of volunteers could result in tens of thousands of dollars in lost donations, severely impacting year-round social service programs.
“The sound of the bell is the sound of hope for our community. Frankly, an empty kettle is a silent threat to our mission,” said William Atkins, Service Center Director. “Research consistently shows that a kettle with a friendly volunteer raising awareness generates significantly more donations than an unstaffed one. We have thousands of hours that need to be filled between November and Christmas Eve.”
Every Two-Hour Shift Makes a Difference
The money raised through the Red Kettle Campaign provides vital funding for The Salvation Army’s local programs, which assist neighbors in need with:
• Emergency Utility Assistance to prevent homelessness.
• Providing Food for local pantries and meals for the homeless.
• Summer Camp for children.
• Christmas Assistance programs like the Angel Tree for local families.
On average, a single two-hour volunteer shift can raise enough money to provide an emergency utility payment for a local family in crisis.
Volunteer Opportunities:
The Salvation Army is inviting individuals, families, friends, service groups, businesses, and church groups to embrace this holiday tradition.
• WHO: Individuals, families, businesses, schools, churches, and civic groups. (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.)
• WHEN: November 3 through Christmas Eve (December 24th). Shifts are typically two hours long, but you can ring more if you would like, Monday through Saturday.
• WHERE: Red Kettle locations across LaGrange including Walmart, Kroger, Belk, and Hobby Lobby.
How to Sign Up:
Scheduling a bell-ringing shift is quick and easy:
1. Visit the official volunteer website: www.RegisterToRing.com
2. Enter your ZIP code to find local kettle locations.
3. Select an open date, time, and location that works for you.
For groups, corporate teams, or those unable to register online, please contact: Cindy Watson, Volunteer Coordinator, (706) 302-4724, [email protected]
“This is the easiest and most fun way to give back this Christmas,” added Atkins. “By standing at a kettle and simply ringing a bell, you are directly investing in the future of our community and bringing the spirit of Christmas to thousands of local lives.”
About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church established in 1865, has been serving the most vulnerable in Troup County since 1917. Driven 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. Donations made to the Red Kettles remain entirely local to fund services for neighbors in need.
