Bellringer: Salvation Army manager leaves office to drum up donations for people in need

Editor's note: This is the third in a series on causes funded through the Julius Gius Bellringer Campaign, which is now underway. Each year readers of The Star donate funds to the campaign to help their neighbors benefit from The Salvation Army's programs.

Denise Adams directs key programs helping people who are in need at The Salvation Army, but this time of year she likes to take a break from her duties and ring a bell for donations to the iconic red kettles.

“I love people," said Adams, who directs the organization's social services in Ventura County and the Hope Center, a transitional shelter in Ventura. "So being out bell ringing is the perfect opportunity to get out of my office and do what I love.”

The bell-ringing drive is considered The Salvation Army’s biggest and most recognizable fundraising campaign of the year. In a harbinger of the holiday, The Salvation Army's red kettles appear outside local businesses and bell ringers collect monetary donations.

Adams said even small donations make a difference.

"Every little bit helps," she said. "I want to continue being part of this holiday tradition.”

Planning for the five-week campaign starts in June, Salvation Army officials said. They describe it as a campaign with "many moving parts," including preparing the kettle stands, making contacts with the businesses that display the kettles and scheduling volunteers.

Advisory board members, community partners and clients who benefit from The Salvation Army's services get involved, Capt. Juan Torres said.

The tradition started in 1891 in San Francisco and continues in cities around the nation, including Ventura.

Adams said she would like to see more people become bell ringers for The Salvation Army's Ventura Corps.

“I want to invite company presidents, CEOs and leaders of this community to dedicate one to two hours of this holiday season to bell ring," she said. "Let’s be the example of unity to the surrounding cities and counties and extend a helping hand to our fellow man.”

To donate online, visit https://tinyurl.com/5h8r99e2 or send donations to The Salvation Army Ventura, 650 S. Petit Ave., Ventura, CA 93004. Please include whether your donation is in honor or memory of someone. You may also donate anonymously.

Donors

James Thonis, $104.85, In memory of Jimmy and Steve Walters

Bruce and Rebecca, $36.90

Carol Brock, $25, In honor of my friend, Lewis Coert, who gave so much of his time and wisdom to so many people, and taught those whose lives he touched to do the same

The Finley Family Trust, $50, In loving memory of Warren Finley

Marvin L. Long, $50, In memory of Freda and Melvin Long

Randolph F. Kreck, $50, In memory of Martha Hughes and Bill Johnson

Angela White, $200, In honor of AHH Chorus

Vinson and Karen Gilliam, $400

Irmgard and Dennis Tierney $50, Memory of Heidi

Anonymous, $500, In loving memory to Bart and Ruth Gillespie

Douglas E. Savard, $300, In loving memory of Beth and Edwin Savard from Greg and Doug Savard and their families

Sharon A. Ellis, $100, In loving memory of my husband Jack Ellis, and my parents Beo and Kay Miller

Joseph Donald O’Neill, $50, In memory of my good friend Gladys Engle

Anonymous, $500

Warren R. Paap, $100

Sam B. Marsh, $200

Helen H. Andrews, $100, In memory of my husband Merrill Andrews (1988) and the many friends who have passed away

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Salvation Army manager leaves office to drum up donations