You've seen the bell ringers out at spots around the Northwoods, but the Rhinelander Salvation Army effort needs more volunteers to staff bell ringing times and generate more donations.
Field Representative Tom Bremer says the donations help local residents in dire need....
"....this is the only way the Salvation Army can raise funds is through our bell ringing program. We don't do any other types of fundraising through out the year. That money is used to help local residents with rent, utilities, special needs, any type of emergency assistance. We get to keep 86 cents of every dollar locally...."
Bremer says they work with local churches to help those in need. He says it makes a real difference with volunteers staffing the kettles..
"....we ask the public to give us a hand with the bell ringing and get out there. They have an hour-and-a-half, two hours, one hour shifts depending on what people have. It's great family time. It shows young people the value of volunteering. So much of the non-profit world works on volunteers here in the United States...."
Since bell ringing began on November 17th, 21 shifts at Trig's and Walmart have been filled. There are about 150 openings at both locations through Saturday, December 23rd. Bremer says a good way to volunteer your time is to go to the Salvation Army website at sarhinelander.org or call Kim Swisher at 715-437-0465.
