'Tis the season--almost---for bell ringers in the Battle Creek area to man their stations and hope we'll reach into our coat pockets to help the needy in our community.  The Salvation Army has been at it for 127 years. Salvation Army Director of Development Heather Vlietstra and Major Kevin Van Zee stopped in on the 95.3 WBCK Morning Show to start recruiting efforts. 

Actually, they've been taking applications for groups and individuals to ring the bells for more than a month, the the red kettles will be out in front of Battle Creek stores on November 9th.

Major Kevin says they have 16 locations between Calhoun and Barry Counties. A lot of those locations are in front of Family Fare Stores.   Bell ringers won't appear at Sam's Club and Walmart until after Thanksgiving.

He says they staff locations about 10 hours a day.  He says that's more than 10,000 hours to fill .  He says it's nice when a group pools their efforts to staff locations, but he says they welcome anyone who can work a two hour shift or more.

The money raised helps keep the Salvation Army doors open year around and pays for all the toys and meal programs they have during the holiday season.

Major Kevin says it's fun to people watch and a very rewarding experience.

Call 269-963-3640 to volunteer. They'll look in the book and put your name in there!

 

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