Salvation Army in need of bell ringers

The holiday shopping season is beginning and while many people are out at local businesses, they will hear the familiar sound of bells ringing.

The Salvation Army of Marquette and Ishpeming fund–raising campaign is underway. The agencies use its volunteers to help ring the bells to gain attention to the cause. Unfortunately, there is a lack of help this year and the Salvation Army is in need of volunteers.

“Bell ringers are very important because the bell ringing season is our primary fundraising campaign ,” Salvation Army Corps Officer Captain Cappy Moore said. “That’s what we do to bring in the money, that won’t just last for the Christmas season, but last throughout the whole year long. Obviously, the more money that comes in, the better we are able to help the citizens of our community with their needs.”

“We really rely on our volunteers to fill those many hours of kettle ringing,” Salvation Army Corps Officer Lieutenant Stephen Hansen said. “We try to not pay anybody to be out there because we want to make sure all of the funds coming in are going back out into the community, for those who are in need.”

Last year, the Salvation Army of Ishpeming and Marquette combined for a total collection of more than $124,000.

If you would like to volunteer as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army in Marquette, call (906) 458-5964 or visit their website.