We just accept them as sounds of the season, ringing bells, the little bells rung by Salvation Army volunteers bringing our attention to the familiar Red Kettles. The season is upon us and the Salvation Army is in need of Volunteers to ring the Red Kettle bell in our own Giant Eagle lobby from November 29 to December 23, Wednesdays through Saturday. In previous years the North Royalton Kiwanis, Rotary, Key Club, and Royalton Hills Lions Club jumped in and volunteered as bells ringers, but the Kiwanis disbanded and time slots need to be filled. Kettle coordinator Donna Urban, working with the North Royalton Office on Aging, is looking for volunteers to fill two hour time slots to get the job done. You must be 18 years old to volunteer but you can bring a younger sidekick. It’s best to “ring in pairs.” You can be creative and wear your festive holiday gear, Ugly Sweaters are welcome.
We are familiar with the Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center; we know about their work with the homeless, the many meals served, and disaster relief. From the beginning in the East End of London, U.K, in 1865, the Salvation Army has taken the Good News to the street corners and gathered those in need offering spiritual as well as practical assistance. True to its mission for over 150 years the Salvation Army provides assistance in over 130 countries world wide. It started its work in the United States in 1879 when 17 year old Eliza Shirley followed her parents to Philadelphia where they had immigrated to find work. Eliza’s tiny mission steadily grew to a national presence of peace and hope from Philly to the west coast in San Francisco that started the Red Kettle fund-raiser in 1891.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle donations totaled nearly $143 million last year with 84 cents of every dollar donated going directly to assistance and services provided by the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army serves 30 million Americans annually. All the money collected in the Red Kettle, stationed at Giant Eagle lobby, stays in North Royalton. Anyone can contact the Salvation Army through the Office of Aging to receive assistance such as a utility bill or rent and guidance for help in other areas.
Can you donate two hours of your time? Volunteers are needed for Wednesdays through Friday from noon until 8 p.m. in two-hour time slots. On Saturday it’s from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Bring a crew. Contact Donna Urban at 440.582.8712 or the North Royalton Office on Aging 440.582.6333. Please call, no text.
Christmas is the season for giving, your donation of two hours to ring the Red Kettle bell will have a powerful effect right here in North Royalton.
Our heroes are unsung ringing the bells that must be rung. You can even dance and play a kazoo while ringing the bell too. Each moment that you donate is reason to celebrate the help you are bringing by that little bell you’re ringing.
Spread your good cheer call Donna Urban to volunteer – 440.582.8712 or the Office on Aging is a number worth paging, 440.582.6333.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer