Help Topics:
Bell Ringing Basics:
*For 2009 Christmas Season, Bell Ringing begins on November 20th 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 701-775-2597 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 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 701-775-2597 if it is more than 48 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. If you have a form that needs to be signed, bring it with you while you are ringing and ask The Salvation Army staff person to sign it. If you do not get it signed while you are ringing or you need a letter, email us and let us know that you need your hours verified. You may also fax the form to 701-775-2597 to have it signed (you must include your name and a number the signed form can be faxed to).
Can I bring my dog?
Even if your pet is a favorite with all your friends, not everyone is comfortable being near a dog. We ask that you leave your dog at home while you are volunteering at the kettle so that all shoppers can feel comfortable entering the store and giving at the kettle. Assisting dogs for people with disabilities are permitted.
Why are there no kettles out on Sundays?
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and we want everyone to have the opportunity to attend a worship service on Sundays and have a day of rest.
What is the minimum age?
Everyone of any age is welcome to ring at the kettle! We do ask that youth under the age of 16 must have their parent’s permission to ring and that under the age of 14 will have adult supervision while volunteering.
Can I give out Christmas treats/gifts to shoppers?
We ask that while you are volunteering you do not give items such as candy canes, flyers or other items to shoppers. The stores have been gracious enough to allow our kettles in front of their stores to receive donations. As part of our agreement with the stores, we are not allowed to give out items or promotional materials at the kettle.
Can I play music while I am bell ringing?
The majority of stores permit live Christmas music at the kettles, such as Cub Foods, Rainbow and Wal-Mart. Many shoppers appreciate hearing the music at the kettle. Recorded music, such as radios and CD/MP3 players are not allowed. Also, amplified music is not permitted. If you have a group performing, we ask that you make sure the entrance to the store and the kettle are not blocked for shoppers.