‘We are greatly in need’: Salvation Army seeks more bell-ringers, donations in St. George area

Rotarian Colin Davis volunteers as a Salvation Army bell-ringer at a store in the St. George area, December 2022 | Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army of St. George via Facebook, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — With Christmas now less than two weeks away, The Salvation Army of St. George is asking for more volunteer help.

Volunteer bell-ringers at a store in the St. George area, December 2022 | Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army of St. George via Facebook, St. George News

“We are way behind budget, but it’s not because of lack of giving,” Salvation Army Major Bob Schmig told St. George News on Monday. “In places where we do have coverage, people have been very generous. It’s just a matter of having enough kettle volunteers.”

Schmig said signing up as a volunteer can easily be done online via the organization’s website.

“There are two-hour shifts at each of our various locations,” he said, adding that there are approximately 15 locations throughout Washington County, with the signature bell-ringers stationed mostly at the front entryways of large stores such as Walmart, Target, Smith’s and Albertsons. 

“They can bring their family and go as family,” Schmig suggested, adding that many volunteers like to go with someone else, such as a friend, sports teammate or coworker they can challenge to see who can generate the most money.

“Whatever makes it fun,” he said. “A lot of people like to do it in pairs, so that they have somebody to keep them company during times when there’s not as many customers walking by.”

Besides more people stationed at the kettles, The Salvation Army also need more bills and coins to fill the traditional red kettles, Schmig said.

“We are greatly in need of monetary donations to fill that gap, as we greatly depend on this to help hurting families throughout the year,” he said, adding that all such contributions stay in Washington County.

To make an online donation to The Salvation Army of St. George, visit its virtual red kettle webpage.

“We are very short on our Christmas Angel Tree toys as well,” he added, noting that The Salvation Army has been coordinating its efforts with those of other charitable organizations, including Toys for Tots and KONY Coins for Kids.

Donations also may be dropped off at The Salvation Army’s office location at 803 S. Bluff St., Tuesday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, call 435-275-4975.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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