Red Kettle Bell Ringers Raise Funds During Christmas Season

By Janet Cruz

It’s the time of year when bells are ringing outside grocery stores in town during the holiday season, and behind each chime is a volunteer working to make a difference in the community.

“This is our largest and most known fundraiser of the year,” said Heather Crawford, with The Salvation Army in Lake Havasu City. ‘The bell ringers are volunteers who help us raise funds,” Crawford said.

“The money collected helps support programs that provide meals and assistance to those in need throughout the year, especially during the holidays.”

According to Crawford, the tradition of bell ringing stretches back to 1891, when the Salvation Army first began collecting donations to fund Christmas meals for people in need.

More than a century later, the simple act of dropping spare change into a red kettle still helps raise funds for the community to put food on the table during the holidays.

Janet Cruz/ RiverScene. Pam Moyer with the Women of the Moose LHC Chapter , volunteers to raise funds for The Salvation Army in Lake Havasu City.

Besides the kettles, The Salvation Army, continues to help the community by serving hot meals every Wednesday and also provides shelter and emergency assistance to people in need while offering long-term support such as rehabilitation, job training and social services.

The organization is largely volunteer-driven and raises critical funds through its Red Kettle bell-ringing campaign, especially during the holidays and other campaigns.

“This week’s meal will be especially meaningful, as the organization prepares a Christmas dinner for community members,” Crawford said,

Crawford is seeking volunteers to assist Wednesday morning on Dec. 24, to help cook and prepare the holiday meal, calling it one of the most rewarding ways to give back.

“The Salvation Army is seeking help during the final week before Christmas to ring bells and collect donations, efforts that directly support local programs and services.”We would love help with preparing our holiday dinner.”

As the holiday season continues, the Salvation Army hopes the familiar ring of the bell will inspire others to volunteer their time and help spread warmth and generosity throughout the community.

“We are so grateful for all the support from the community we have received so far from our red kettle donations and other campaigns,” Crawford said. “All funds raised stays local.”

For volunteer opportunities in the kitchen or to learn more about the local Salvation Army, contact Heather Crawford at 928-302-4749. The Salvation Army is located at 2049 Swanson Ave.

Local volunteer spreads cheer and volunteers to help collect donations. Janet Cruz / RiverScene

Janet Cruz / RiverScene. Amelia Smith and James Velazquez from The Future Business Leaders of America Club-LHHS chapter. Volunteer by ringing the bell and collecting funds Saturday.