Help Topics:
Bell Ringing Basics:
*For 2009 Christmas Season, Bell Ringing begins on November 13th and ends on December
24th, excluding Thanksgiving and Sundays.
*Sign up for a time, date, and location that are convenient for you.
You may ring as long as you want, however, we do ask that you take at
least a two-hour shift.
*You also may ring as many times as you like, but if you’re going to
sign up for more than five consecutive shifts please call our office at 218-722-7934 and we will be happy to sign you up.
*After you’ve signed up go to your appointed location. A properly
identified Salvation Army official will bring you a kettle and bell,
and when your shift is over they will come and get it from you. If you are unsure that the person
is from The Salvation Army ask for proper identification. Sometimes the drivers are
running a little bit behind – if you have been there for over 15
minutes, call the emergency numbers attached to the kettle stand.
You may look for available slots prior to logging in, but you must log in to reserve a shift. Click the Not Registered Yet? link to register for the first time.
1.
Click the SEARCH button to begin.
- Select a date other than today’s date.
- Select a time period (before noon, noon to 6:00 p.m., after 6:00 pm or anytime).
- Select a city or select multiple cities if you are available to ring in more than one city.
2. Next, click BEGIN SEARCH. A list of open shifts will display. You can reserve more than one shift at a location. Click on the Map link to view the location of the Red Kettle site. If you do not see the location/shift you desire, try using the ADVANCED SEARCH button.
3. Click the check box next to the shift(s) you would like to volunteer for, and then click the RESERVE button.
4.
Confirm or cancel your shifts by clicking on SELECT or
REMOVE. You may also click
on ADDITIONAL INFORMATION to add more information, such as number of
bells, friend sharing your shift information and any additional information or
instructions you need relayed to The Salvation Army.
5. Press the SUBMIT button. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.
Note, only the registered ringer will receive a confirmation email.
Using the Calendar Control
Select a single day by
clicking on it. You can’t select
multiple days, but you can select the entire week by clicking the > at
the left of the week.
To view availability for the entire month, click on the >> next to the days of the week.
To display the next month, click on the > in the upper right corner next to the month. To display the previous month, click the < in the upper left corner next to the month.
You may edit your contact and login information at any time by clicking on My Profile. Your password must be between 6 and 20 characters long and contain numbers, letters in any combination, but cannot contain spaces.
You may review a list of your bell-ringing shifts by clicking on My Schedule. If you need to cancel a shift, you may do so when reviewing your schedule.
After you have completed your shift, click on the My Totals link to view the amount you helped raise. Please wait a few days after your shift as it takes time to get the Red Kettle funds counted and the money recorded.
Much of the money The Salvation Army spends on holiday assistance and cheer projects is solicited through this fund raising effort. A multitude of volunteers are needed from the first day to the last day of bell ringing. There are many locations around Duluth at various business establishments (both indoors and outdoors). Volunteers need to be dependable, friendly and consistent in manning their kettle. Groups, civic organizations, families, and churches are encouraged to participate in our Red Kettle Campaign. It only takes 5 teams of 2, working 2 - hour shifts from 10:00am to 8:00pm to manage a kettle for a day or you can schedule a minimum block of two hours between November 10 and December 23.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Bell ringing can be done standing or sitting. A bell or maraca is generally used. Individuals who have musical talents and/or play instruments may choose to sing or play Christmas carols (at selected locations only). Just a reminder...some bell ringing spots are outside and it can be chilly…..warm clothes are a must!!!
Call Jill (ext. 114) or June (ext 101) at 722-7934.
BELL RINGING TIPS:
How does it work?
You sign up for a time, date, and location that are convenient for you. After your timeslot has been confirmed simply show up at the appointed location. A kettle and bell will be at your location or take over for the ringer stationed there before you. Just start ringing and smiling! Wish shoppers a “Merry Christmas” and be sure to thank people for their donation.
How long do I have to ring?
You may ring as long as you like, but we do ask that you ring at least a minimum of two hours. We encourage volunteers to take four hours or more as this helps The Salvation Army manage sites and volunteers more effectively. Find someone to share your shift with you.
How many people can be at the kettle?
Most
kettle sites have limited space.
Groups of more than three people may intimidate potential donors to
the kettle. Two or three
people are optimal. No more
than five people may ring at a kettle site at one time.
What if I have to reschedule?
If
you find you are unable to make your scheduled ringing time please call
218-722-7934 if it is more than 24 hours prior to your shift. If it is less than that, call the
contact number listed on your confirmation email.
What if the weather is bad?
Bell
ringing is very rarely cancelled, but if there is inclement weather, and
you are unsure, please call the contact number listed on your confirmation
email.
What do I wear?
Unless
it is otherwise noted you will be standing outside so dress
appropriately!!! If it’s cold
– bundle up! Wear lots of
layers and especially good, comfortable shoes. Winter hats or ear muffs
are essential and mittens are better than gloves. Some volunteers bring a small
carpet square or rug to stand on to help their feet stay warmer and
prevent sore back muscles.
What
if my equipment is late?
Drivers
delivering and picking up equipment may have multiple locations, encounter
traffic and may be late.
Please be patient. If
the kettle and bell is not delivered within 10 or 15 minutes of your shift
start time, please call the contact number on your confirmation
email.
What
do I do with the kettle when I am finished?
The
kettle is securely locked onto the stand, and only Salvation Army staff
may remove the kettle. If the
next ringer has arrived, give the bell to that person so that he/she may
start the next shift. If no
one has come to replace you or collect the equipment, place the bell next
to the kettle, and you may leave.
Volunteers are not responsible for “standing guard” over the kettle
once their shift is finished.
Who do I contact in an emergency?
If
you have an emergency while ringing please call the number on your
confirmation email and/or attached to the kettle stand (if it is a
different number). If it is a
life-threatening emergency please dial 911.
Does Bell Ringing count as community service?
Yes
it does!! If you would like
to schedule community service hours please indicate this in the Special
Instructions or Comments field when you select your
shift.