Christmas Kettle Campaign Needs More Ringers
Recent price hikes have made it almost impossible for many families to pay for everyday essentials like food, fuel, and housing costs.
The Salvation Army has started its Christmas Red Kettle campaign to raise money to help families struggling with food instability, prevent overdue bills or eviction notices, and to remind countless members of our community that they are not alone.
Toccoa Salvation Army Service Director Rebecca Dixon says this year her office is overwhelmed with the amount of need in the area she serves, which includes Franklin, Stephens, Hart, and Habersham counties.
One reason she said is the increasing number of homeless people coming to the area from other places.
That’s why Dixon said the Christmas Kettle campaign is so important.
Beginning this Friday, December 1, Dixon said they will be expanding their Christmas Red Kettle outreach to more retailers so more volunteer bell ringers are still needed.
“Yes, we are ringing bells at three Walmarts in this area, Toccoa, Cornelia, and Clayton, and also at Belk in Toccoa. Beginning on December the 1st … we’ll also be ringing at Ingles here (Toccoa) and in Clarksville,” Dixon said.
Dixon is asking volunteers to give their time to help raise money for those in need.
“So we ring six days a week, mostly from 10 to six. Folks can sign up for about four hours. I can do a smaller amount of time sometimes, but four works pretty well with us,” she explained. “We also have a fun challenge to all bell ringers. Volunteer bell ringers who come and ring are asked to see who can get the most money during their four-hour time span between now and the 23rd, which will be our last ringing day of December.”
Dixon said the bell ringer that raises the most money will get bragging rights and a small token of her appreciation.
All money raised will stay in the local area.
If you or your club, civic, or church group would like to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army this year, visit registertoring.com or call Dixon at 706-716-4712.