Everybody needs somebody, sometime, and donations to The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign — the largest fundraiser of the year — at Christmastime helps the organization provide essential support to individuals and families in need, as well as those who rely on the programs and services offered year-round.  

Volunteer bell ringers are needed to spread holiday cheer, foster hope and compassion and make a meaningful impact! Could it be you?  

Bell ringers are all about greeting people to help them have a better day and raising awareness of the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. You can ring a bell as an individual, as part of a group, or virtually (encouraging your friends and family to donate online) through Dec. 24.  

There are more than 50 locations in Colorado Springs and Monument awaiting your smile when you sign up for a 4-hour or 8.5-hour shift. Visit RegisterToRing.com to start the process, then call Jeannette Bernstein, volunteer coordinator with The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps, at 719-884-1053.  

You can change lives, in as short a time as two hours on Fridays and Saturdays, when you opt to ring the bell at one of eight local Walmart stores. Log on to RegisterToRing.com and select the store of your choice. 

What would you say to making it “a family affair?”  Parents can bring their children with them, making generosity multi-generational. It is never too early to instill the value of helping others! Please note minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Every ring makes a difference … right in our own community! When you donate your time, you are helping to provide food and shelter, and restore hope for local men, women and children who are struggling.  

The bell you ring will help our friends and neighbors in need of social assistance, a roof over their head, program for a child(ren), rehabilitation services, or relief from disaster or human trafficking experience a transformation in their life situation(s). Because you care, meals will be eaten, the warmth of a blanket can bring thoughts of more comfortable days ahead, and bills can be paid. These gifts of peace of mind are priceless.  

 Vulnerable populations in Colorado Springs rely on The Salvation Army’s programs and services to improve their quality of life — today, perhaps, more than ever! Bell ringers keep help and hope alive. Are you ready to participate? Visit RegisterToRing.com to sign on for your shift(s).  

“The Red Kettle Campaign is the perfect opportunity for people in need of community service hours, or those who want to share their time and heart to benefit our less fortunate friends and neighbors,” said Bernstein. “The work is meaningful, and when you give back get so much more in return. I consider volunteering ‘food for the soul.’” 

Donations to the Virtual Red Kettle are always welcome, too. Give with joy, and bring joy to a family in need, making their holiday brighter. Your gift will have twice the impact on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, an annual day of giving that marks the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. 

Visit https://volunteer.usawest.org/ to learn about additional volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army — like participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, organizing, sorting, or distributing gifts to children and seniors from Dec. 4-20, or joining the Toy Sorting on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. until Noon.  

The spirit of the holidays is alive and well at The Salvation Army. Join the work of providing food, hope, and healing. Be a part of the experience. Do not wait; visit RegisterToRing.com today!