The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Amherst man enjoys being bell ringer
Amherst man enjoys ringing Salvation Army bell, helping others
Kenneth Betka is a thirdyear-volunteer with the Salvation Army in Lorain who has been ringing the campaign bell through the organization’s Red Kettle Campaign to collect funds from the community.
Betka, 57, of Amherst, can be seen ringing a bell at an Avon J.C. Penney store, 1301 Center Road, daily until Christmas Eve.
Betka said he returns each year because he likes helping people.
“This is who I am,” he said.
“I’m a Christian and this is a Christian place who does good.”
According to the Salvation Army’s website, the organization shares evangelical or Christian beliefs.
“Blood and Fire” is the motto of the Salvation Army.
This describes the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to save all people and the fire of the Holy Spirit which purifies believers, the website said.
Betka and at least 18 other volunteers in the Red Kettle Campaign began bell ringing the weekend after Thanksgiving in their designated locations.
He said he enjoys donating his time and service to those in need at the Salvation Army through initiatives such as the Red Kettle Campaign because it’s an act to raise money for necessities like food and clothing.
Betka noted he and other volunteers stand and ring their bells during their eight-hour-shifts in all sorts of weather conditions.
Before volunteering through the Salvation Army, Betka said he was used to being outside and standing in cold temperatures while working for previous occupations.
Betka said his interest in helping people trumps standing outdoors.
He said some who volunteer have to be ready to stand in cold weather because “not everyone can work out in the cold.”
“This is in my blood; I just love to do it,” Betka said. “It’s gratifying. When I go home, I feel good.”
Volunteers do get paid for their volunteer work, but Betka said he’s not donating his time to make money.
He said he simply wants to spread the Holiday cheer and do what he can to help raise money for families in need.
Lorain Salvation Army lieutenants Jimmy and Melissa Susa said as the winter season jumps into high gear, thousands of people in Lorain may be filled with holiday cheer while thousands more are reaching out to The Salvation Army for food, clothing and other basic needs.
The Salvation Army provides these services every year because some families rely on donations from the annual Red Kettle campaign.
This year, Lorain’s Kettle Goal is to raise $100,000 and that is significantly below the goal with only a short time left in the giving season, the Susas said.
As commanding officers of the Salvation Army Lorain Corps, the Susas said they see first-hand the hope and joy their services provide to senior citizens, single parents, veterans, the homeless and families.
Last year, Lorain Salvation Army provided over 6,166 meals.
“With a little help from a lot of people, we can ensure that we are able to feed empty stomachs and hungry souls this winter and all year long,” Jimmy Susa said.
The Susas urge residents to donate to local kettles when they are out shopping.
Donations can be made online at www.salvationarmyohio.org, by texting to Lorain’s facility at 41444 or stop by the Salvation Army Corps, 2506 Broadway.
Other local kettle donations can be made at Midway Mall in Elyria and Walmart, 4380 N. Leavitt Road in Lorain.