Help Topics: 

    • How does it work?
    • How long do I have to ring?
    • How many people can be at the kettle?
    • What if I have to reschedule?
    • What if the weather is bad?
    • What do I wear?
    • What if my equipment is late?
    • What do I do with the kettle when I am finished?
    • Who do I contact in an emergency?
    • Does Bell Ringing count as community service?

Getting Started:

You may look for available bell ringing shifts prior to logging in, but you must login to reserve a shift.  Click on “Bell Ringing” to find available shifts.

Topics

Search:

  1. Select a date: You must choose a date that is at least two days out.  You may not choose today or tomorrow.  There is no bell ringing on Sundays.
  2. Select a time.
  3. Select a city: Some areas cover multiple cities. You may select as many cities as you are available to work in.
  4. Click the Begin Search to review available shifts.

    If you do not find a suitable shift, click your back button to change your selection criteria.

    If you can't find a location you desire try the Advanced Search.

Topics

Advanced Search:

Steps 1, 2 and 4 are the same as for the standard Search, but step 3 allows you to find a location by the name, address, city or zip code*.

  1. Select a date from the calendar: You must choose a date that is at least two days out.  You may not choose today or tomorrow. 
  2. Select a time.
  3. Location Search: You may use one or all the fields to find the location you desire.

Criteria:

Is = an exact match to what is entered

Begins With = will find any match that starts with what is entered

Contains = what is entered can be found anywhere within the selection

*The zip code field can be used to find a range on zip codes (enter the first zip code in the 1st box and the last zip code in the 2nd box), or you can enter the beginning of a zip code in the 1st box and check Begins With to find zips for an entire area.

  1. Click Begin Search to review available shifts.

If you do not find a suitable shift, click your back button to change your selection criteria.

Calendar Control:

Select a single day by clicking on it.  You may not select multiple days, but you may select the entire week by clicking on the at the left of the week, if you want to view availablity for multiple days within that week.

To view availability for the entire month click on the to the left of the days.

To go to the next month click on the in the upper right corner, on the same line with the month being displayed.

To go the the previous month click on the in the upper left corner, on the same line with the month being displayed.

Shift Confirmation:

After selecting your desired location date and time, the Shift Confirmation allows you to request additional bells, add anyone who is sharing your shift with you* and add any special instructions you have.

* Only the shift-registered ringer will be sent an acknowledgement for participating.

You will receive a confirmation email containing each shift you scheduled.

Please check your profile email address if you do not receive a confirmation email within 1 hour after selecting shifts and clicking SUBMIT. If the address is correct, then click Contact Us on the bar above.

Scheduled Shifts:

After you have reserved your shifts go to My Schedule to review all shifts you have reserved and to print it out.

If needed, you can also Cancel a reserved shift but 48-hours advance notice is requested. If it's within 48-hours of when your shift was to begin, please call the number given in your confirmation email.

You may also add additional shifts by clicking Add Shifts and returning to the Search form.

Volunteer Profile:

You may edit your contact and login information at any time.

When you have completed any changes you much agree to the Terms & Conditions before clicking UPDATE MY PROFILE.

Your password must be between 6 and 20 characters. It can contain numbers, letters or any combination, but cannot contain spaces.

Your Volunteer History:

View a list of all bell ringing shifts you have signed up for and haven't canceled.

After you have completed the shift and the total dollars raised has been tallied and entered, you can view the results of your efforts here. (Entering the tallies should be completed within 3-5 business days.)

Additional Help:

You may call 507-424-4191 if you have any questions or need assistance scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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 507-424-4191if 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.