 Tutorial on Ringing
Thank you for volunteering to be a part of Greater Columbus’ largest
annual fundraiser for The Salvation Army; the annual Christmas Kettle
Campaign. Your contributions will be used to help those in need right
in your community this next year. Below are instructions and a few helpful
pointers to make your bell-ringing time as productive and enjoyable as
possible.
General Presentation
You are representing The Salvation Army when you are ringing the bells
for us – so leaving a great impression with shoppers – whether
they donate or not – will benefit the Salvation Army well in the
future.
- No smoking, please, while ringing bells
- Please stand throughout your schedule (unless a medical condition
requires otherwise)
- No eating. You are welcome to enjoy a beverage while you are ringing
the bell.
- If you are sharing the kettle stand with a buddy, please refrain from
visiting with each other; this inhibits donors from contributing more
than any other factor.
Attire
You should dress comfortably for your time ringing the bell – remember,
you may be outside and you’ll want to check the forecast shortly
before you arrive so that you are dressed warmly enough for the current
conditions.
- Wear very comfortable shoes.
- Bring a thick piece of cardboard with you to stand on if you are ringing
outside and it is cold – this helps immensely to shield against
the cold, and also provides a bit of cushion on the concrete.
- On a cold day, having a few single-use hand/shoe warmers are helpful
(you can purchase them at sporting goods stores, etc.).
- Wearing seasonal attire such as red mufflers and hats, Christmas theme
sweaters, etc. helps put shoppers in the mood to contribute.
Greeting Shoppers
A friendly greeting and lots of eye contact are your best tools in having
a great experience ringing the bells – you’ll find the time
goes quicker, and the donations will also reflect your efforts.
- Greet every shopper, whether they make eye contact with you or not,
with an enthusiastic “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Holidays”,
or other friendly greeting.
- If you are standing inside a lobby, please ring the bell “lightly”.
Kettle and Bell Procedures
Some stores may vary from a few of these procedures; if that is the case
with your location, your Corps Officers or your Corps Coordinator will
notify you.
- The kettle stand (tripod and sign) will usually be located behind
the service desk if you are the first person starting the day, or if
there is no one you are taking over for.
- The red kettle will usually be held behind the service counter, along
with the bell.
- Set up the stand near the exit door.
- NEVER leave your kettle unattended. If you have an emergency, take
the kettle to the service counter, and let them know approx. how long
you will be gone before you pick it up again.
- At the end of your shift, if you are the last person ringing for the
day, take the kettle and bell to the service counter for safe storage
there, and replace the tripod and sign back where it was stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I write a check?
A: Yes - make your check payable to The Salvation Army.
Q: What will the donations be used for?
A: The donations you make stay in the community in which they were
donated, and they go to support our local programs such as meals for the
hungry, and year-round food pantry, clothing and furniture vouchers, after-school
tutoring for children, kid’s summer camp, and more.
If a shopper asks some other question about The Salvation Army, please
let them know that although you are a representative of The Salvation
Army, you’re not their official spokesperson, and advise them to
contact Alice Hohl at 614.437.2138. The same response applies if a
reporter asks you a question.
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The Salvation Army serves people in need without discrimination. By putting money to maximum use, The Army provides services, programs and ministries that produce measurable, life-enhancing results.
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