In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He only had one major hurdle to overcome — funding the project.
Where would the money come from? As he pondered the issue, his thoughts drifted back to Liverpool, England seeing a large, iron kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” into which passers-by tossed a coin or two to help the poor.
McFee placed a similar pot at the ferry landing in San Francisco with a sign that read, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas.
Pastor Jim Irwin had been in charge of the Marshall County Salvation Red Kettle Bell Ringing program for several years. He hopes to start the program this weekend and the funds raised will help fund the rest of this year. Then, beginning on Black Friday and continuing through Christmas Eve funds dropped in the Red Kettles will help to fund their operations for 2015.
The past few years the goal has been to raise $15,000 with volunteers who stand out front of Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Kroger and ring the bells. Irwin said he need roughly 75 to 100 volunteers to donate 2 to 3 hours possibly more than once during the season to fill all the slots. Hours of operation vary but he tries to have bell ringers at Wal-Mart every day of the week from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and at K-Mart on weekends from 9 till 8 and Kroger on Tuesdays and weekends from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
There really are no qualifications to be a Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringer. Adults are welcome and children who are supervised can also ring the bell. Families, organizations and businesses as well as individuals are welcome to help. You must provide your own transportation and wear warm clothing since bell ringing is an outdoor event. You will also be asked to wear a red Bell Ringer apron which is provided and lets donors know you are a legit volunteer for the program. If standing for 2 hours is an issue, you can bring a chair or stool.
All but 10% of the funds raised in Marshall County stay here to help those in need with funds to purchase medication, avoid eviction and disconnect notices. Help is not given out in big amounts. This year in January 26 people were helped at a total amount of $1,030 while in May 57 received assistance totaling $1,010 and in August there were 66 who shared $1,139. At the end of October when this year’s funds ran out a total of 463 households had been helped.
The hosts of WTCA’s “What’s Your Opinion Show” have stepped up to the plate this year to ring bells for the Salvation Army and we are challenging other businesses to challenge us. Let’s see who can raise the most money in a 2 hour period.
If you would like to be a Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringer this holiday season contact Pastor Jim Irwin at 574-952-8712. If he doesn’t answer just leave your name and number and information on when you are available to ring the bells.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle program created by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee launched a tradition that spread throughout the United States and all across the world. You now see them in Korea, Japan, Chili and many European counties.
Dropping a few coins or dollars in the red kettles helps the Salvation Army continue their year-round efforts to help those who would otherwise be forgotten.
