By Cassie Lennox

The Salvation Army provides many opportunities for families and friends to come together for the sake of benefiting the community, but one of the most iconic ways to give back is through their annual Red Kettle bell ringing campaign.

A group of friends from Boys and Girls Club Plover Center enjoy bell ringing last year.
(Contributed photo)

The bell ringing season begins each November – this year, the bell ringing campaign starts Friday, Nov. 10 – and runs through Dec. 23. Volunteers and those who donate help improve, and sometimes even save, the lives of people within the community.

This year, organizers said, the Salvation Army hopes to raise at least $175,000. The money raised in the kettles goes right back to the local community, and on average, according to the Salvation Army, every two hours of time donated to bell ringing raises about $60 in donations.

“Reaching out to those in need by volunteering to ring bells or serve warm meals is a wonderful way to connect with the community, to give back, to share blessings, and to be blessed in return,” said Jared Redfield, Salvation Army Hope Center Advisory Board chair.

Children who attend the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County Jefferson Center ring the Salvation Army bells for their annual red kettle donation campaign.
(Contributed photo)

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette/ to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.