The Salvation Army Announces Call for Volunteer Bellringers at Christmastime
The Salvation Army in the Greater St. Louis area has officially opened its annual call for volunteer bellringers. The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, also known as the Tree of Lights Campaign to many St. Louisans, has stood as a beacon of hope and compassion for more than a century.
By volunteering to ring bells at one of The Salvation Army's partner locations during the Christmas season, residents can contribute to the organization's vital work in social services assistance, homeless shelters, disaster relief, children’s programs, rehabilitation services, anti-human trafficking and more. In Fiscal Year 2023, The Salvation Army provided over 134,000 nights of shelter, over 131,000 meals and served over 5,600 children via its Angel Tree Toy Town program — all in the St. Louis region alone.
By volunteering for just two hours, St. Louisans can help raise enough money to feed a family of four for an entire week.
"The old adage that 'it takes a village' certainly rings true in this sense," said Major Adam Moore, St. Louis Area Commander. "We have more than 12,000 available volunteer slots to fill and many St. Louisans consider bellringing a Christmas tradition with family and friends. From Chesterfield to Arnold, Alton to Belleville and everywhere in between, there are opportunities to bellring. It's a great way to get in the Christmas spirit and brighten the lives of our neighbors in need."
Participating stores in the St. Louis metro area include Schnucks, Dierbergs, Walmart, Sam's Club, Hobby Lobby, Bass Pro, Cabela’s and many more. For a full list of available dates, times and locations, visit RegistertoRing.com. The iconic red kettles will be accepting donations at participating locations mid-November through Tuesday, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In addition, Nov. 13 to 27, Schnucks stores in the region will offer the opportunity to Round Up at the Register, contributing to the Red Kettle Campaign.
"Donations made at kettles in St. Louis fund services right here in the local community," said Latoya Wilson, Volunteer Services Manager for the Midland Division. "RegistertoRing.com lets you put in the zipcode and choose where you want to ring and make a lasting impact. Volunteering just two hours of your time as a Bell Ringer helps those in need in our community not only get to experience the joy of Christmas, but also have their basic needs met."
Any group, family or individual can volunteer. College and high school students can earn service hours for manning the kettles. Those ages 16-18 may bellring with a parent or guardian's permission. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
This year, among the Red Kettle Campaign’s presenting sponsors to-date in St. Louis are Edward Jones, Ameren, Cass Information Systems and Reitz & Jens.
In addition, we are pleased to have TWO MEN AND A TRUCK assisting The Salvation Army with Angel Tree Toy Town collections this Christmas season.
Businesses and organizations interested in getting involved as bellringers, sponsors or Angel Tree toy drive hosts, can visit our Corporate Giving web page for additional information.