The Salvation Army of Augusta sent out an urgent plea Thursday seeking paid and volunteer bell ringers to staff its Red Kettles as the organization’s largest annual fundraiser expands across the community.
With more locations opening in the coming days, local support is critical to keeping kettles staffed and reaching this year’s $300,000 goal.
Bell ringing began Monday, Nov. 2, and expands to nine storefront locations today. By Saturday, Nov. 14, that number will triple to 27, with 38 locations planned later this month. Each additional location creates an opportunity to raise funds for local services—but only if someone is there to ring the bell, a news release said.
“Our biggest need right now is people willing to show up,” said Maj. Jonathan Raymer, Augusta Area Commander. “Every unstaffed kettle is a missed opportunity to help a local family. Whether you need seasonal work or can volunteer a few hours, we need you. The time you spend ringing helps put a warm meal on the table, provide a safe place to sleep and help our neighbors take the next step toward stability.”
The urgent call comes as The Salvation Army Center of Hope faces rising costs alongside growing demand. Food costs have increased by more than 40%, while the number of community meals served has risen by 38%. Over the past year, the organization sheltered 114 children, helped 118 people move from homelessness into stable housing and provided more than 4,000 case management sessions.
Funds raised through local Red Kettles support The Salvation Army’s work serving individuals and families in the Augusta area throughout the year, including meals, emergency shelter and case management, the news release continued.
“This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and what happens at these kettles matters long after Christmas,” Raymer said. “We’re asking our neighbors, churches, businesses and community groups to step forward now. Together, we can keep these locations staffed and help ensure local families have somewhere to turn when they need us.”
Paid bell-ringing positions are available, and individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer. Churches, businesses, civic organizations and families can help by filling shifts together.
Those interested in paid positions can attend a hiring fair every Monday at 10 a.m. through Dec. 7 at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1833 Broad Street in Augusta. Folks can also apply for a paid position or sign up to volunteer, by going to salvationarmyaugusta.org.
