Each holiday season, the Salvation Army of Martinsville stations volunteers and paid workers across the area to ring bells and collect donations in their iconic red kettles. This longstanding tradition, which began in San Francisco in 1891 and added the familiar bell in 1900, supports families and individuals in need during the holidays.
In the Martinsville-Henry County area, bell ringers can be found at popular shopping locations, including Kroger, Walmart, Food Lion, and Belk, capturing the attention of holiday shoppers.
The organization enlists volunteers through an online registration system, filling multiple time slots for bell ringing. For those seeking paid opportunities, the organization also hires a limited number of workers.
“If you would like to get paid to ring the bell full-time or part-time, you’d just have to come into our office to apply,” said Tekela Redd, service center director for the local service center.
Redd noted that the paid positions primarily appeal to retirees or others with flexible schedules. “We have a lot of older community members who are willing to come in. They are on fixed incomes, and this is a way for them to bring in a little extra money for the holidays,” she said. Bell ringers typically work from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with about six paid workers assisting the team of volunteers.
The campaign runs through the week before Christmas, raising funds for the organization’s various programs. “The funding goes toward our programs—our social services, our food, and our Angel Tree,” Redd explained. She added that a portion of the funds is allocated to disaster relief efforts.
Beyond ringing the bell, the Salvation Army welcomes canned food and monetary donations. “That funding is needed during the holidays to help those who get put out of their homes during the holidays or get their lights turned off,” Redd said.
The organization is still seeking volunteers who can dedicate a few hours to bell-ringing shifts.
The Salvation Army’s efforts extend beyond the red kettles. Recently, the organization hosted a Thanksgiving dinner and provided space for the MHC Warming Shelter to operate independently.
“Our location is a resource center,” Redd said, emphasizing that anyone in need of assistance can visit or call for support.
The Salvation Army operates as a Christian organization, aiming to spread the message of Jesus Christ through acts of charity and community service.
For more information or to volunteer, stop by the resource center, call (276) 638-7259, or sign-up online at Registertoring.com.
