Seeking Volunteers for “Project Bell Ringer”

AKRON, Ohio - Oct. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- All the Salvation Army wants for Christmas is YOU--to ring the bells this holiday season.

The Salvation Army of Summit County Ohio is seeking people looking for an easy, fun way to help others during November and December.

“We are reaching out to the community, businesses, churches, schools and neighborhood groups to partner with us to staff our kettles this holiday season,” said Jeanette Brown, volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army of Summit County. “This year, we’re hoping to have more families and music groups involved.”

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign is its main fundraiser supporting its programs in Summit County, including its daily hot meals, emergency and disaster services, homeless prevention, emergency shelter, and early childhood education programs.  Seasonally, its Christmas giving programs provide food, toys and gifts to more than 1,000 families who otherwise would have nothing under the tree.

Brown said the time commitment is usually a short one. Individuals or a group of co-workers or family members are welcome. Kettles are located at various stores and locations throughout Summit County, and many of them are indoors.

The Salvation Army is working toward a goal of 9,000 volunteer hours to make the campaign a success. That can mean something as simple as a group of six providing two hours of service, which can cover an entire location for a day. The Salvation Army staffs the kettles for seven weeks, from November 14 through December 24, Monday through Saturday, 9:00am-9:00 pm at 48 locations throughout the greater Akron area and Summit County.

“Volunteers are encouraged to have fun as they serve,” said Brown. “Singing carols acappella or in small groups with musical accompaniment really engages the givers, and makes the time fly for the volunteers.  Music really puts people in the holiday spirit.” She said that YouTube has some fun examples that show what others have done like this one:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsxaCMt0u0U



Signing up is simple. Call Volunteer Coordinator, Jeanette Brown, at 330-434-7365 to set up a time to ring the bell.  Donors can participate through onlinredkettle.com.

The Salvation Army is celebrating its 130^th year in Akron serving the needs of Summit County.  Its goals are to interrupt and break the cycle of poverty in our community, enabling economic self-sufficiency and active contribution to the social, economic and spiritual well-being of the community; to serve as a unifying force that is welcomed by, respected by, and able to bring together all elements of our community from those in a position to give to those in a place of need; and to instill hope in all whom we touch, recipients or donors of our services.  To volunteer, to give, or for more information about The Salvation Army, click www.salvationarmyakron.org or call 330-762-8481.

Tags:  Red Kettles, Bell Ringer, philanthropy, volunteering, charitable giving, community involvement, community service, donations