If you hear bells ringing, there may be a red kettle nearby; Salvation Army campaign begins

Thanksgiving is still three weeks away, but the holiday season has already started for many in the Coulee Region, with the ringing of bells at familiar kettles.

The Salvation Army red kettle drive has begun for another year. The kettles will be at 21 locations in La Crosse County from now until Christmas. Major Alan Hellstrom from the La Crosse Salvation Army office says it’s not enough to have kettles out. They need bell-ringers, too.

“If there’s not anyone there ringing, it only brings in seven dollars or less” in a typical day, says Hellstrom. “But, if we could have someone there ringing the bell, we’ll make $77 an hour, so it’s a big difference.”

The local Salvation Army drive is aiming for $525,000 this season, to operate the shelter, and pay for programs to assist homeless people in the area.

Hellstrom says the ringers are encouraged to try different methods to attract donors.

“Be creative,” he says.” Wear wonderful, fun Christmasy holiday-type hats and lights. If you are musical, you can sing, you can play an instrument.”

The local kettle campaign lasts 39 days this year, with a goal of having bell-ringers at kettles up to 10 hours a day. Volunteers can sign up online at www.registertoring.com.