News : Salvation Army bell-ringing under way in Vinton

Look for those familiar red kettles and Salvation Army bell-ringers in Vinton beginning Wednesday.

Bell ringers will greet customers at Fareway throughout the Christmas season.

Salvation Army bell-ringing will begin in Vinton on Wednesday, and coordinator Sarah Parker hopes many more people will sign up to ring the bells.

“We need more volunteers,” said Parker, who is organizing bell-ringing at Fareway. There will also be smaller donation kettles at Casey’s, John’s Qwik Stop and Koop’s Automotive.

“Last year we raised just over $10,000, which is the most Benton County has ever raised,” says Parker. We strive to raise more every year, and would eventually like to see a kettle in every city in Benton County, not just Vinton.”

30% of proceeds collected has to go to the Salvation Army headquarters, and the other 70 percent stays in Benton County.

“We are able to help people with gas vouchers. We assist with utilities and other emergencies that may arise,” Parker explains.

Volunteer details

Most people who volunteer to ring the bells are there an hour or two at a time, depending on the weather, and it works best if people go in pairs (or more) so if they get too cold, they can step inside and warm up or use the restroom as needed, says Parker.

“Bell-ringing starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. and we will be there through New Years Eve,” she adds.

While children are welcome to participate, anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

“Last year, we had one of the Girl Scout troops volunteer with their leader, and a lot of youth in different confirmation groups (churches) volunteered as well,” Parker said. “It is important to us that we greet the public with genuine smiles, as the Salvation Army is a Christian organization, and our goal is to share the love of Jesus with people.”

For more information, or to sign up as a bell ringer, call Parker at 319-202-2786.