NORFOLK, Va. — Volunteer coordinator Jalen Gray unpacks aprons, kettles, signs and of course, bells from boxes in the Salvation Army warehouse in Norfolk. It's part of the preparations for this year's Red Kettle campaign.
“Right now, we're transitioning from our old signs that we used and we’re putting our new signs in. We’re putting all of our sponsorships and QR codes up there," said Gray. "That way, you can get more involved when you see a kettle stand."
He's outfitting 80 bell ringers with everything they need to collect donations at stores all over Hampton Roads. Most of those bell ringers are volunteers, and he needs more!
“Volunteers are very much needed during the season. Volunteers play a crucial part because it gets our community in sight and it shows support for many different organizations that help us,” said Gray.
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Major Chris Flanagan tells me the need is greater this year: 7,800 people have already signed up to get help with Christmas gifts for their kids, which is 900 more than last year.
While the focus is on the holidays, money collected now goes much further than that.
“What we do at Christmastime, we do every day of the year—with the exception of toys. We feed, we shelter, we clothe,” said Major Flanagan.
He says the clients they're seeing this year are not just struggling financially.
“It's people struggling with mental health issues, depression, PTSD,” said Major Flanagan.
Helping those clients see the light at the end of the tunnel is what they do, but it takes resources and money. That’s where you come in.
And giving has never been easier. No cash? No problem.
"You’ll want to scan the QR code and there will be a link that shows you where you can donate and how you can donate. In certain locations, you’ll have "tip tap." These tip taps are mobile kiosks so you can use your phone or credit card to tap at a stand and you’ll be able to send money electronically," said Gray.
Last year, the Red Kettle campaign raised $385,000. The Salvation Army hopes to raise $400,000 this year.
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All of the money raised goes towards helping our local community.
“We’ve become the neighborhood, we’ve become the family to a lot of these individuals,” said Major Flanagan. "We’re here, you’re not alone in this."
So when you hear that familiar sound of the bell, the Salvation Army hopes you’ll keep your heart open and give what you can.
Nurturing our community is what makes the Salvation Army Positively Hampton Roads.
If you'd like to donate now or if you'd like to become a volunteer bell ringer this season, click here.
