These are challenging times for some North Metro residents and the Salvation Army is well aware of that.
“The need is always great,” said Daniel Simmons, a Salvation Army Captain. “No matter what.”
The Salvation Army has been a beacon of hope for decades – and this year, with Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, the Army is looking for bell ringers to raise money.
“We continue to have less and less people who are willing to stand out in the cold,” Simmons said. “We do employ people. We do hire people every year to work and ring the bell. They’re not soliciting and asking for money. They’re really just saying Merry Christmas and Happy Thanksgiving and greeting people.”
“Hiring now”
The recognizable red kettle is synonymous with the holiday season.
“We’re hiring now,” Simmons said. “We’re advocating for volunteers right now.”
The Army is hoping people can step up and stand outside in the elements to collect donations.
“If I had my wish list I would like to have somewhere between 40 and 50 paid bell ringers,” Simmons said. “The big goal is having complete volunteers. If we had several hundred volunteers who would give a couple hours throughout the season, that would be great.”
From food to housing to youth programs, the Salvation Army is all about providing for individuals in times of crisis or need.
Said Simmons: “Both in Anoka County and Hennepin County we just try to service those individuals.”
In these difficult days, some folks are struggling just to get by.
“People who are hurting, who are broken, who are kind of at their wits end trying to find food for their children, toys, coats,” Simmons said. “It’s cold everywhere. It’s hot everywhere. We depend heavily, not just on our volunteers and our bell ringers, but also donors to not just pass by the bucket. When they’re giving that dollar they’re really giving hope to a family in need.”
Money goes back to the community
Every penny or dollar dropped into a bucket does make a difference in the North Metro.
“We bring in millions nationwide,” Simmons said. “These dollars go directly into the community. They don’t go off somewhere else, so they stay local.”
Soon the bells will be ringing again and the countdown to raise money for those less fortunate will start up – as long as enough people show up.
“November 17th through December 24th will be our sweet spot to raise close to half million dollars to provide services all year long,” Simmons said.
Anyone interested in becoming a bell ringer can sign up by going to registertoring.com.
