CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — During a time marked by inflation and economic instability, The Salvation Army is helping your neighbors navigate food insecurity, unexpected job loss, eviction and other concerns. You can join the army of hope and become part of their Red Kettle Campaign to raise essential funds this holiday season.
The Salvation Army supports families in need all year long. Serving Washington County since 2016, they rely on dedicated volunteers to fulfill their mission of “Doing the Most Good.”
“Right now, we see the state of the world and feel kind of hopeless about being able to fix any of it,” said Maj. Bob Schmig of The Salvation Army’s St. George Service Unit. “But we can make a difference in this community. The people who come out to volunteer are helping right here in our little corner of the world.”
Volunteer bell ringers are more than an icon of the Christmas season; they’re the difference between an empty kettle and a bountiful one. Funds raised during the Red Kettle Campaign help sustain The Salvation Army’s community outreach programs all year long. When you volunteer to stand at a kettle, you’re not just ringing a bell – you’re changing lives.
Last year, the Red Kettle Campaign raised about $53,000. Schmig said those donations have touched countless local families by providing food, bus passes, gas cards, school supplies and more, along with Christmas presents through the Angel Tree program.
“The kettles help us year-round,” he added. “They’re a large part of what keeps our lights on and our programs funded.”
Joining the Red Kettle Campaign is easy. Visit registertoring.com and sign up either as an individual or as part of a group, then enter your zip code to view available volunteer shifts in your area.
Bell ringers are needed from the middle of November through Dec. 23. The kettles will be at 12 locations across St. George, Washington City, Hurricane and Santa Clara Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each shift lasts two hours, and volunteers can sign up for as many different shifts as they wish.
“We need at least four volunteers per day in each location,” Schmig said. “We’re trying to get as many ringers as we can.”
Although the primary goal of the Red Kettle Campaign is to raise money, bell ringers also help increase awareness of The Salvation Army and their efforts to improve the lives of the less fortunate in Washington County. Volunteering is a great way to meet people in your community and spread holiday cheer, Schmig said.
Don’t worry if you’re not comfortable asking people for donations. In fact, volunteers are encouraged to just ring the bell, smile and offer a friendly “Hello!” or “Merry Christmas!”
“We let the bell speak for itself,” Schmig explained. “I know our community is very giving, so it’s just a matter of getting folks out there to help us ring.”
Wherever there’s a need, you’ll find The Salvation Army. Every year, The Salvation Army serves approximately 25 million people across America. That means over 55 million meals for the hungry, more than 10 million nights of shelter for the homeless and countless Christmas gifts for children who might otherwise go without.
The St. George Service Unit provides assistance to families throughout Washington County. Along with seasonal volunteer opportunities during the Red Kettle Campaign, they’re always in need of volunteers to help pack food boxes for pickup at their newly relocated outpost in Washington City.
“Ever since we started in London back in 1865, The Salvation Army has a great track record of giving back to the community,” Schmig said. “Every dollar that’s raised here stays in our community to help people in need. It doesn’t go anywhere else.”
Visit The Salvation Army’s website to learn more about how to get involved this holiday season and all year round.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Resources
- The Salvation Army St. George Outpost | Address: 568 W. Telegraph St., Washington City | Telephone: 435-275-4975 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
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