You may have noticed that the Salvation Army Red Kettles are out in the Twin Ports.  I always try to make sure I have dollar bills in my pocket so whenever I pass a red kettle I can drop on or two in, I know the bell ringer is appreciative.  Obviously they are giving of their time and energy in hopes they have a full red kettle at the end of their volunteer shift.  In Hibbing, the red kettle stand is empty and the call is out for the desperate need for volunteers.

We are coming up on the peak of Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringing and there are still 1,300 hours of ringing still available in the town of Hibbing.  Positions are available immediately through Christmas Eve at Super One Foods, Walgreens, Walmart, and L & M Supply.  So far, only 155 hours have been filled.

Captain Mitch Brecto, Hibbing Salvation Army administrator said, “Volunteer bell ringers are critical to our fundraising efforts during our Christmas Campaign. Without more ringers, it’s possible we may have to cut back on our meal programs or housing assistance.”

They will sometimes put the kettles on their stands with no one to ring bell next to them and get a small amount, but a typical kettle with a bell ringer next to it raises on average, about $30 per hour for the Hibbing Salvation Army programs.  The Hibbing Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign is the key to the success for the rest of our year’s fundraising.

It's easy to get involved, you can register to ring online at SalvationArmyNorth.org or by calling 218-263-5096. Shifts are only two hours. Businesses, churches and other organizations are encouraged to provide enough ringers to staff a kettle for an entire day.

The Christmas Campaign goal of the Hibbing Salvation Army is $142,000, with more than $50,000 of the goal expected to be raised in kettles. With your help, you can help them reach their goal.

More About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Northern Division serves more than 481,000 people a year through its local centers of operation. Annually it serves 992,000 hot meals and provides 450,000 nights of shelter. More than 80,500 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide these and other services, from child daycare to senior housing.

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