Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Ayanna Eckblad

One of the most recognizable sounds of the holiday season is bells ringing — more specifically, volunteers ringing bells for the Salvation Army red kettles. 

Capt. Marie Lewis is the corps officer of the Salvation Army in Albert Lea. She has been in the role for about two years. 

Salvation Army, she explained, is first and foremost a church. They hold worship services, have pastors for people to speak with and host men’s and women’s ministries. They also have a program for children during the school year and vacation Bible school in the summer. 

In addition to worship and fellowship, the Salvation Army conducts social service and assistance programs throughout the community. Some of these include the food pantry and emergency disaster services for crises such as floods, fires and tornadoes. They also run the Salvation Army thrift store that helps families afford essentials as well as providing a place for community members to donate gently used goods.

Right now, the Salvation Army is busy preparing for their annual community Thanksgiving dinner and their annual angel tree toy shop. They are also in the midst of red kettle season.

“Our mission is to help those in need,” Lewis said. “That’s what this kettle season is all about.”

She added having red kettles during the Christmas season is what the Salvation Army is most recognized for. Money collected in the kettles each year goes to fund programming for the upcoming year.

“It’s a critical part of our season,” she said. 

Red kettle season kicks off Friday and will run until noon on Dec. 24. Kettles will be available at Walmart, Bomgaars and Hy-Vee.

The Salvation Army needs volunteers for this to be a success, Lewis explained.

An unattended red kettle, she said, will only pull in a few cents. 

“A kettle that has someone ringing the bell at — it does way better,” Lewis said. 

There are currently 200 of the bell ringing hours covered. There are 500 more hours that still need to be covered.

Whether it’s a group of students ringing bells as part of National Honor Society, a church group or even a few individuals, every hour covered helps the Salvation Army reach its goal. 

Albert Lea Salvation Army’s goal for this year’s red kettle season is $70,000 made through red kettles at stores.

A donor this year has offered to match every donation made in the kettles, meaning every dollar people give while running errands or getting ready for the holidays will have a matched dollar. Lewis said other businesses will also occasionally match the donations made when their employees ring bells.

With matching donors, the ultimate goal is to have $140,000 by the end of the season.

“It’s a modest goal, but it’s a doable goal,” Lewis said. “It helps. Every little bit helps, and every volunteer helps.”

People can register at registertoring.com or may contact the Salvation Army directly.

Lewis said many people, including herself, do not carry cash with them. This can be tricky for people who would like to donate but do not have anything to put in the kettle when they see it. The Salvation Army has implemented a system called “Tap to Give” at their giving locations. 

Tap to Give stations have software that scans people’s phones and credit cards similar to the card readers at cash registers at stores or banks. People can use tap to donate $5, $10 or $20. Of course, donating more is also welcome.

The option may look familiar to some because the system was piloted last year at various Salvation Army locations. Lewis said the Albert Lea Salvation Army tried it out at their Hy-Vee location last year, and it was successful enough to warrant getting another one at their Bomgaars kettle location. There will also be a Tap to Give station set up at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club & Restaurant.

“We’re excited for the season,” Lewis said. “It helps so many people in need.”

Volunteers are needed for bell ringing this year, but volunteers are needed for various programs all year round as well. Some of these opportunities include helping with the food pantry, disaster assistance services and running the angel tree program and toy shop. Those interested can call 507-373-8776 and ask for Kathy or Amber. Families can apply to be part of the angel tree program at saangeltree.org.