Bellringers needed for Red Kettle campaign

Volunteers are greatly needed for this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, which runs through Christmas Eve.

A lack of bellringers this season is causing a dip in donations. Money raised during the holiday season is used throughout the year for a variety of services, including utility and food assistance.

“Because of the lack of workers right now, we are losing about $500 to $700 a day,” Major Wayne Ruston of the local Salvation Army said. “The kettles have been good when we have workers. We only have 65 to 70 spots covered.”

The Monroe Big Lots store, for example, had no bellringers until earlier this week.

As of Monday, $62,171.33 has been collected so far in Monroe County. Last year at the same time, $68,635.29 had been raised.

“We are just about $6,500 behind. We are looking at the possibility of being about $12,000 to $15,000 behind this year,” Major Ruston said. “The funds are coming in when we have people there. Monroe County is really coming through.”

Major Ruston said in addition to the volunteers, the Salvation Army also has paid bellringers. The paid staff also is down this year.

“The paid workers didn’t show up. Some worked a day or two. Some had situations that changed,” Major Ruston said.

Bellringing will continue through about 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Volunteers can ring in Monroe, Dundee, Lambertville and Temperance. Store locations include Walgreens, Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Cabela’s and Big Lots.

To sign up, call Major Ruston at (734) 241-0440 or visit https://www.registertoring.com/.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Bellringers needed for Red Kettle campaign