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 Oather Talley at 614.437.2138. The same response applies if a reporter asks you a question.