Sunday, May 19, 2024
Being a Salvation Army bell ringer is more than just spreading holiday cheer - it is also about contributing to a broader cause, and its volunteers are essential in bringing light to the annual Red Kettle Campaign.
The Gatesville Unit of the Salvation Army plays a crucial role in assisting low-income families and filling the gap in financial assistance within our community.
The donations serve those in the community by aiding in utility assistance, prescription drug assistance, temporary lodging, and gas or transportation.
The Texas Division Service Extension Department is the Salvation Army’s parent organization and is in Dallas. It operates independently and is well-funded, giving people the option to donate to this organization or directly to local units like the Gatesville Unit of the Salvation Army.
Gatesville is expected to establish its own Emergency Assistance Fund, emphasizing the need for local responsibility in providing aid to those in need. Our local Salvation Army collaborates with charitable organizations such as Coryell Community Church, Trinity Baptist Church, and the Ministerial Alliance.
It is ensured that the funds are distributed fairly and are used to address the most pressing needs. All donations that are made locally will remain within the community and will not be sent to the Salvation Army Texas Division Service Extension Department in Dallas and vice versa.
“We all as a community make the red kettle campaign a success because we are doing it for our community,” Salvation Army Representative Joyce Talbott said. “All the funds that go in the buckets stay here in our community to help the needy.”
To date, out of 156 volunteer spots, 149 spots have been filled along with 312 volunteer hours total.
The Salvation Army has had volunteers from various organizations including cheerleaders, basketball players, members of the Boys & Girls Club, National Honor Society students, 4-H kids, Special Olympics members, churches, a miniature Santa, and even the Grinch.
Talbott explained, “Our goal is to involve as much of our community as possible.”
“By taking up the role of being a bell ringer, volunteers foster a direct, positive impact within the communities,” Talbott said. “It’s a small action that sows seeds of change, triggering a ripple effect of kindness that resounds throughout the community, contributing to the collective well-being.”
In the past, the Gatesville Unit of the Salvation Army shut down, and its absence was deeply felt by the local, low-income families.
“The need for financial assistance is great, and existing charitable organizations struggle to meet the demands they are presented, so the Salvation Army gives another avenue to fill the gap,” Talbott said. “Volunteers ring bells to attract donors, but, more importantly, spread goodwill as they raise funds to provide support services to those in need.”
Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to consider monthly or yearly donations to the Gatesville Unit. A monthly, yearly, or a one-time giving option is available and can be facilitated by going through the quick response (QR) code or by arranging it through Treasurer Tom Creek.
Treasurer Tom Creek and his staff at a local bank donate their time each morning to unravel and press out the bills that are collected from the Red Kettle.
The Gatesville Unit of the Salvation Army is in the process of establishing online giving. There are posters providing a QR code located near the red kettle at Walmart.
“Online giving is becoming more prevalent, and it is important for people to know that when they donate online to the parent organization, the funds may not necessarily reach their local Salvation Army units,” Talbott said.
The Gatesville Unit of the Salvation Army is adapting to this trend by establishing online donation options, which will make it easier for people to donate to their local unit specifically.
The Salvation Army Service Units are managed by Service Extension Representatives that are run by volunteers and are broken down into six regions, including local advisory councils.
The Gatesville Unit’s Advisory Council includes Chairmen Eric Moffett, Treasurer Tom Creek, Intake Coordinator Annette Cole, Red Kettle Coordinator Jeremy Stills, Region 2 Service Extension Representative Nimchie Alce, and Past Chairman Richard Shook.
“In a nutshell, being a Salvation Army bell ringer goes beyond simply wearing a red apron and ringing a bell,” Talbott said. “It embodies the spirit of giving, compassion, and community-building while cultivating personal growth and empathetic understanding.”
“In a world that seems a bit grinchy, the Salvation Army bell ringer in Gatesville serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that the holiday spirit can thaw even the coldest hearts,” Talbott said.
To volunteer by ringing the bell at the red kettle, visit https://signup.com/go/GxatyWD. Time slots include Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign usually runs from the day after Thanksgiving through Dec. 23. The last day to volunteer will be on Saturday, Dec. 23.
For more information, visit salvationarmyusa.org.
