Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Bell-ringers helping to make holidays bright
Proceeds from Red Kettle program benefit those less fortunate
WEST CHESTER » Looks can be deceiving, especially for bell-ringers for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Program.
Lindsay Remington of West Chester, a bell-ringer since she was a child, sees people dressed to the nines pass right on by, while others who look like bums toss a lot of coin in the kettle.
“I see people with fur coats walk right by, and I see people who are disheveled and have no winter coat contribute,” she said. “And there are times veterans come up and tell their story about how the Salvation Army helped them to get back on their feet.”
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Program began on Black Friday this year, and will run until Christmas Eve.
Last year’s Red Kettle Campaign collected almost $140 million thanks to the support of donors and corporate partners across the country. The money raised helps the Salvation Army provide food, shelter and social services to those in need throughout the year, not just during Christmas.
Bell-ringers are volunteers. Some do it as part of a mandatory community service, but the money collected in the Chester County campaign goes directly into helping people locally. All money collected will be used for
"Nationally, it helps 10 million families a year, those people who are down and out and hungry, and helps people to get jobs.” — Lindsay Remington
vouchers to help local residents with utilities and emergency fuel.
“This is our numberone fundraiser internationally,” Remington said. “Nationally, it helps 10 million families a year, those people who are down and out and hungry, and helps people to get jobs.”
Remington’s father and her grandparents have been involved in the Salvation Army, so it was natural for her to pitch in at an early age.
“The children are absolutely adorable,” she said. “Parents give them money to drop in and donate. Parents let their children know it’s important to give. Mom and Dad are doing well, and not everybody can say that. It’s so rewarding and heartwarming. People come up to us and thank us for ringing.”
One year, Remington said she dressed as Santa and went out to ring. She said a little boy yelled out to his mother that Santa was a woman.
“I was horrified,” she said. “I don’t know how he could tell, because all you could see were my eyes.”
Those who throw money in the kettle help to provide more than 10 million nights of shelter, roughly 58 million meals, and after-school and substance abuse programs. During the holiday season, nearly 4.2 million people rely on The Salvation Army to provide their families with warm meals on Christmas Day or toys for their children. Through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, more than one million children receive necessities and toys.
Volunteers are needed. Bell-ringing opportunities are open for individuals and groups. Volunteers are asked to ring bells while standing alongside red kettles for at least a two-hour shift, up to a six-hour shift, Monday through Saturday. Passersby place monetary donations inside the kettles, which are stationed outside Kmart, Acme, and ShopRite in West Chester, as well as the Exton Square Mall, Big Lots, Boscov’s, Hobby Lobby and Walmart in Exton until Dec. 23.
The Salvation Army in West Chester serves more than 1,500 individuals and families locally with programs and services such as housing and shelter, food assistance (community meals and food pantry), utility assistance, an after-school program, rent assistance, holiday assistance, and worship services. This is all possible due in part to the funds generated from its annual red kettle campaign.
Community members who are interested in volunteer opportunities, are asked to contact Captain Maria Corraliza at 610696-8746 or maria.corraliza@use.salvationarmy.org for more information.
To make a monetary donation mail your tax-deductible check or money order made payable to The Salvation Army to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 689, West Chester, PA 19380.
DNB Bank and Salvation Army are partnering to present at the QVC Christmas Parade in West Chester this Friday, Dec. 1. AT the Salvation Army booth, free hand-warmers will be available.