Salvation Army ‘desperate’ for bell ringers

The Salvation Army in Hayward is in desperate need of bell ringers this holiday season, Salvation Army officials said.

The officials have identified 32 possible sites for bell ringers to collect change and bills in the iconic red kettles. But so far officials have identified an average of only 10 bell ringers per day.

The Salvation Army’s Capt. John Kelley said:

“We’re really desperate to find bell ringers this holiday season.”

Donations provide money for many of the Salvation Army’s programs so officials want to staff as many sites as possible.

Volunteers and part-time employees can staff the kettles. Volunteers work a four-hour shift while employees work an eight-hour day. Kettles are typically staffed from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Last year, the Hayward unit took in $160,000 and so far this year bell ringing has raised more than $24,000.

The Red Kettle campaign continues through Dec. 23. The donations support holiday programs and year-round services such as the food assistance program.