Help Topics:
Bell Ringing Basics:
*For 2009 Christmas Season, Bell Ringing begins on November 13th for Richmond and November 20th for Fredericksburg. It 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 four-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 (804) 745-5524 in Richmond
or (540) 373-3431 ext. 201 in Fredericksburg 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.
How
does it work?
You sign up for a time, date, and location convenient for you. After
your shift(s) has been confirmed, simply show up at the appointed location. Someone
from The Salvation Army will come and bring you a Red Kettle and bell(s),
and return to pick it up when you are finished. DO NOT RELEASE the Red Kettle
if the person is not properly identified as being from The Salvation Army!
Each bellringer has their own Red Kettle so even if there is someone scheduled before
or after you, the Red Kettle should be changed out.
How
long do I have to ring?
You may ring as long as you like but it works very well if you sign up for a whole day and have
friends and neighbors to help you. If you
plan to sign up for more than five consecutive shifts, please call our
office at (804) 745-5524
in Richmond or (540) 373-3431 ext. 201 in
Fredericksburg.
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
people are optimal. No
more than three 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 (804) 389-2944 in Richmond or
(540) 379-1771 in Fredericksburg 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. Bellringing is very rarely cancelled due to
weather, but if you are unsure, please call the emergency numbers listed next to
each location on your schedule.
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.
Yes it does!! If you would like to schedule community service hours please call (804) 745-5524 in Richmond or (540) 373-3431 ext. 201 in Fredericksburg and we will sign you up to make sure you get the appropriate credit.
How is the
money used?
It is estimated that more than 60,000 people will be in need of Salvation
Army services during the next year. This assistance includes: Emergency
shelter services, family services, food pantry, Christmas assistance, The Salvation
Army Boys & Girls Club, etc.
If you would like more information about our local programs and services, please visit our website: National Capital & Virginia Salvation Army or call (804) 225-7470 in Richmond or (540) 373-3431 ext. 201 in Fredericksburg.