The Salvation Army is looking for someone to help coordinate the Christmas donation effort in Starke County. Salvation Army Major, Gerald Smelser, encourages anyone who can, to volunteer:
“We need to get someone to coordinate and call the different groups and organizations and set that up for the bell ringing time and hopefully we can find someone who would be interested in helping us,” said Major Smelser. “It’s basically about six weeks. A couple of weeks will be needed to line it up and then having the bell ringing. Volunteers only ring here on Fridays and Saturdays.”
Bell ringers are usually stationed at Five Star in Knox and Bailey’s Discount Center in North Judson. Major Smelser was asked what the coordinator’s specific responsibilities will be.
“It’s making sure the kettles are out and volunteers show up. We do have some contacts. I have a contact list of people who have rung in the past and to make sure they are going to help out this year.”
The annual bell-ringing donation effort begins the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs until Christmas Eve.
The Salvation Army depends on the monetary collections to help Starke County residents and others with utilities, rent, food at times and clothing. They also help in case of fire situations. They usually coordinate efforts with Community Services of Starke County.
If you are interested in volunteering to coordinate the bell-ringing effort this holiday season, call Gerald Smelser at (260) 519-5733 or email him at g.smelserret@sbcglobal.net.
