Get Your Bells On For a Good Cause

• Source: The Salvation Army/WWJ

November 13 through December 24

The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit kicks off its annual call today for volunteers to ring the famous bell during its upcoming 118th annual Red Kettle Campaign. The Salvation Army is asking metro Detroit residents to help fill 50,000 two-hour shifts as bell ringers this holiday season, beginning Nov. 13 through Dec. 24 (Sundays excluded).

Each year, 300 red kettles are placed throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. In hopes of filling all 50,000 shifts prior to the holiday rush, The Salvation Army is starting recruitment earlier than previous years. The Red Kettle fundraising campaign relies heavily on volunteer efforts to reach its $7.8 million goal. The funds from the Red Kettle Campaign are used to fund programs and services offered to people in need year-round.

"We are witnessing an unprecedented increase in the demand for our services throughout metro Detroit communities this year, and we see the volunteer bell ringers as a true testament of our very existence," said Major John Turner, general secretary for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. "Those who donate their time are just as important to us as those who support us financially."

All volunteer opportunities can be found at www.ringbell.org, sponsored by Huntington Bank. Volunteers may log on, pick a preferred location and choose a two-hour shift most convenient for them. Volunteers may sign up for one or more shifts, and will receive a confirmation e-mail prior to the selected date.

"We have personally committed dozens of volunteers to ring the iconic brass bell this season. We encourage everyone in metro Detroit to use www.ringbell.org and sign up to volunteer for what we believe is a most important cause," said Rebecca Smith, president of Huntington Bank.

All monetary gifts collected during the Red Kettle Campaign help to assist local families and individuals in times of need. These funds also help maintain vital human services such as food and shelter for children and adults throughout the year.

Founded by William Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. In 2008, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing more than 3 million meals and 776,973 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.83 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at www.salmich.org.