They are a familiar sight - and sound - of Christmas. They are the Salvation Army red kettle ringers - volunteers that you often see when you are doing your shopping, steadily ringing the bell that calls us all to give.
This year the Salvation Army is asking YOU to be the one ringing the bell. Volunteers are needed to fill the posts around the county. Hundreds of hands are needed each year to sustain the signature holiday sound, and the Army needs volunteers to sign up to keep it going through Christmas Eve.
The red kettles are already in place at more than a dozen sites in Cleveland and Rutherford counties, with more to come in the days ahead.
"Bell ringing is one of the easiest ways to help The Salvation Army help those in need in our local communities," says local commander Sgt. Les Ashby.
Volunteers come from businesses large and small, Sunday school classes and civic groups, as well as families and individuals.
"Everybody should do it at least once in their lives," says bell ringing volunteer Carrie Williams. "I do it for the kids and families that need help. It's such a good cause. Plus, I really enjoy being out there."
Sponsorship is another option for those that cannot, for whatever reason, volunteer as a ringer. Sponsors donate what it costs the Army to pay ringers, so that the kettles can stay open throughout the season. It takes about $100 to sponsor a kettle for one day.
"The money raised in the red kettles creates a year of hope for families and individuals in need," says Ashby. "Pocket change opens doors for at-risk youth, provides food for empty tables, and helps families stay warm and safe in their homes. This season, every cent helps us turn the hope of those we serve into reality."
The 2016 Red Kettle campaign goal is $100,000. The Salvation Army relies on the money raised through the Red Kettle campaign to provide Christmas to local families in need and to safeguard the well-being of the community through year-round programming and social services. The campaign ends on December 24, 2016.
Those interested in volunteering to ring the red kettle bells should call Sgt. Mary Ashby at 704-692-8515 or stop by the Salvation Army office at 311 N. Lafayette St., Shelby, weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.
For complete information about The Salvation Army's Christmas ministry and other services, call 704-482-0375, or check out salvationarmycarolina.org and click on Shelby.

BY APRIL HOYLE SHAUF

Special to the Shelby Shopper & Info