Salvation Army seeks volunteers to bell ring across Hawaii for Holiday 2022
HONOLULU [Aug. 10, 2022] – With less than five months until Christmas Day, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands is already planning for the upcoming holiday season and is asking for help. Volunteer bell ringers are needed to staff the organization’s iconic Red Kettles in communities across Hawaii in November and December.
“With the ongoing pressures of pandemic poverty now combining with record inflation this summer, we already know the needs of our communities will be immense this coming holiday season and well into 2023,” said Major Phil Lum, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands. “Our Red Kettle Campaign is one of the primary fundraising efforts of The Salvation Army and the more volunteers we have, the more kettles can be out in Hawaii and the more social service outreach programs we can support throughout the year. It’s important to remember that funds raised in the Red Kettles stay in the communities where they are raised.”
Duties for bell ringer volunteers include staffing a Red Kettle, ringing the familiar bell, wishing shoppers a joyous holiday season, among other duties. Volunteers sign up as individuals, but can consider bringing co-workers, friends and family.
Many volunteers return each year to help the non-profit organization raise funds for their communities. One example is Matthew, a longtime volunteer who has served as a bell ringer with The Salvation Army on Maui for the past 48 years. He was introduced to volunteering in 1974, when his friend and former Advisory Board Member, Clarence Kamai, invited him to bell ring at a kettle and share the meaning of Christmas through music. Clarence played the guitar and Matthew played the ukulele while raising funds for The Salvation Army during the holiday season. “Music is my passion, and I love sharing it with others,” said Matthew.
To see current volunteer opportunities, including bell ringing positions, visit Hawaii.SalvationArmy.org and click the “Volunteer” button in the top left corner of the page.
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About The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division
The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division covers the state of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands including Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands and The Federated States of Micronesia. The Division offers a wide variety of programs throughout the islands including: adult day health services; affordable senior housing; at-risk youth services and housing; camp & conference center; family stores; food distribution and feeding programs; homeless services; The Kroc Center – Hawaii’s largest community center; preschools & day care services; social services – emergency assistance; substance abuse treatment; and work therapy & rehabilitation services. For more information, call 808-988-2136, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.