Salvation Army needs bell ringers

Sleigh bells ring this time of the year, but so do the volunteers at Salvation Army kettles throughout Newton and other areas of Jasper County.

The Red Kettle Campaign is in full force in the community, but the local Salvation Army is still in need of bell ringers. Volunteers and generous donations from the community are needed to ensure the campaign is successful every year and to make sure the Salvation Army has the necessary funds to help people.

Captain Tim North said there are plenty of openings for bell ringers, which can be stationed in Hy-Vee, Walmart, Fareway and Theisen’s in Newton, as well as Fareway in Colfax. The Salvation Army is averaging less than 25 percent of its spots being filled throughout the entire campaign this season.

How can someone sign up bell ringing? Volunteers can call 641-792-6131 or register online at www.registertoring.com by putting in your zip code.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign goal this year is $50,000, which is up considerably from the year before. North said around $19,000 has been collected by members of the community. The money collected will go towards the local Salvation Army services, food, building rent, utilities, programming and more.

“Ultimately, it’s for Jasper County,” North said. “Our reach is throughout the county. It realistically covers everything we do throughout the year.”

In addition to donating money directly to the kettles, the Salvation Army also allows people to donate money virtually at nearly every kettle in Jasper County. Many of the kettle posts are equipped with a QR code that directs people to a website where they can donate via Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo or credit card.

Every donation, no matter the size, goes a long way.

“You’re helping your neighbors in Jasper County, you’re helping somebody who maybe is having a hard time making ends meet,” North said. “It may help them keep utilities on. If they come in and get food at the food pantry, what they’re able to get with the food they may have been able to pay for a prescription.”

Scan the code below with your smart device to donate to the Salvation Army in Newton.