To the editor:
There are few sounds that invoke the spirit of the holiday season quite like The Salvation Army bell.
Along with Christmas carols and decorations, the sound of the bell is a signal that the holiday season has arrived. But, the bell is more than that. The bell is also a reminder that every day, there are thousands of individuals and families in need of support and services. We ring the bell while we stand alongside the iconic Red Kettle and ask you to give what you can to help those in need.
Many of the men and women ringing the bells each year are volunteers — and The Salvation Army needs more of them. If you and your family are looking for a way to give back this year, establish a tradition, and honor the spirit of the holiday season, I encourage you to sign up as a volunteer bell ringer in your community.
For more than 135 years, The Salvation Army has relied upon its iconic Red Kettle campaign since the 1890s. Although the holidays are often a time of joy, many people will not be able to celebrate this year because they are battling the effects of pandemic poverty.
The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division continues to assist any individual or family in need without discrimination, to include gift giving through the Angel Tree, putting food on the table, paying bills, and providing shelter for those without a home. The need for support and services is higher than ever this year.
There are 29 Salvation Army Corps Community Centers and more than 220 volunteer-driven Service Extension Units that provide services across every zip code in Massachusetts.
To volunteer, people can visit www.salvationarmyma.org/volunteer. To find a volunteer to ring a bell at one of the red kettles in their community, volunteers can also search for open time slots at www.savolunteer.org.
The Salvation Army is applying national safety protocols at all Red Kettles to ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors, and partners.
Matt Gordon is a longtime Salvation Army volunteer and Greater Boston Advisory Board chair.
