CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — For some, the sound of a bell ringing in front of stores marks the beginning of Christmas, but communities around Pennsylvania may experience a quieter holiday.
The Salvation Army is asking for help this holiday as chapters across Central Pennsylvania struggle to find volunteers to stand with their red kettles.
“The one thing we are low on is volunteers for our kettle ringing,” said Stephanie Childs, a Corps Officer for Salvation Army Harrisburg Capitol City Region.
Childs says many of the group’s volunteers are stretched thin to ring bells for the Red Kettle campaign.
‘Sometimes it’s the same volunteer for everything and some just do touch points like packing the toys,” Childs said.
The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capitol City Region isn’t the only corps looking for Red Kettle campaign volunteers.
In a statement from Major Hinzman, Corps Officer from Salvation Army Lancaster Corps, he says in part quote, “This season, the demand for assistance has surpassed our available resources. We are in need of additional support to meet the rising number of requirements. We are wanting to ask the community for support, or group(s) volunteers.”
But not all Salvation Army chapters are struggling to find bell ringers.
Joseph and Rebecca Smith help lead the Salvation Army in Carlisle. They say many of this year’s bell ringers are returning volunteers.
“We have probably at least 20 groups that have stepped up to stand kettles so far this year,” Rebecca explained.
Joseph describes the Red Kettle campaign as one of the most valuable to the Salvation Army.
“We’re able to be in the community, they’re able to see us with signs and bells, and are able to interact with those people in the community that give.”
But Childs is unsure if her army corps will have the same luck.
“Obviously if the kettles are down, that means we have to start making real tough decisions that we don’t want to make,” Childs said.
The Salvation Army currently accepts other monetary donations, such as checks or online donations. Toys, nonperishable food, and clothing are also welcomed donations.