More than 800 hours on bells available for Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

By Allison Thompson
Press correspondent

Looking for an easy way to make a difference in someone's life? Consider ringing a bell for the Salvation Army's annual Christmas Red Kettle Campaign.

The Salvation Army's Bread of Life Assistance Center in Plymouth has begun recruiting bell-ringers for the holiday season. Its goal is to raise $57,000 to help sustain vital programs and services that help those in need within the local community.

"We have seen probably about a 35 percent increase (in need) from last year," said Ginger Weimer, director of the Assistance Center. The center has been able to help with some expenses for those with housing or medical emergencies and to provide grant assistance.

The money collected by the Assistance Center's Red Kettle campaign serves the communities of Adell, Cascade, Cedar Grove, Elkhart Lake, Glenbeulah, Greenbush, Hingham, Oostburg, Plymouth, Random Lake and Waldo.

"If we don't meet our goal of $57,000, programs could be cut or we can't help as many people," Weimer said. "We understand times are tough everywhere, that is why we hope to fill as many spots as we can."

The more bell ringers recruited, the more opportunity to collect the money needed to help neighbors and friends.

"We have about 830 hours to fill," said Deb Schalk, 2009 Plymouth Red Kettle coordinator. Bell-ringers are needed for 2- or 4-hour shifts from about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27 through Thursday, Dec. 24, at the Plymouth Kmart, Piggly Wiggly and Walmart stores.

"It makes you feel good to know that you are helping other people," said Janet Rooker of Waldo, who has been bell-ringing for more than five years. "There are so many people that need help that I am willing to volunteer."

Weimer hopes that many Plymouth area residents will feel the same way this year. "For people that may not have the money needed to donate, they can help ring the bell for the community," she said.

This year's campaign theme, "The Time Is Now," draws attention to The Salvation Army's urgent need for community support. The Red Kettle Campaign has been around for more than 100 years.

"I personally bell ring and you just feel good, whether someone puts in a penny or a hundred dollar bill. You know that is going to help someone else in the community that is struggling," Weimer said.

"I look forward to doing it every year," said Catharine Schalk, 11. She and her siblings will assist with bell ringing several times throughout the season.

"I like to go out there because it's fun and it makes me happy that I am giving back to my community and stuff," said 13-year-old Rebekah Schalk, who also recruits friends to bell ring with her.

The entire Schalk family has made it an annual tradition to bell ring Christmas Eve day.

"We are generally out there at 7 a.m. until noon or 2 p.m.," said Deb, who noted that entertaining shoppers seems to garner the most donations.

"We have groups like this singing and playing Christmas carols and things, and there is a donation increase.

Greeting customers and engaging them in conversations as they walk by also works.

"When people are in a good mood, it makes everyone smile," said Weimer, who encourages groups and organizations to sign up together.

"We are trying to get the word out there to bring a little boom box and sing and within reason you can dance and act silly, interact with the customers a little bit. Some may shy away from you, but the more you talk and listen, that brings in more, too," said Weimer, who thinks that time invested in bell ringing is well worth the effort.

"If you think of how much time you waste, sitting watching nonsense TV or whatever, you can help the community and brighten someone's day. That is the most precious gift you can give, the gift of helping other people," said Weimer.

To volunteer, contact Deb Schalk at (920) 528-8465 or by e-mail at deb_schalk@yahoo.com.