The familiar sound of a ringing bell, followed by the clinking of coins dropped in a red kettle, has long been a tradition associated with the Christmas season. Individuals ringing the bells are dedicated volunteers for The Salvation Army, who offer their time to support people in need.
Organizers within Tioga County are looking for more bell ringers to finish out their season, which ends on Dec. 23.
The mission to reach people in need began more than 150 years ago by London minister William Booth and his wife, Catherine. The Booth’s seventh child, Evangeline, was national commander in the U.S. for 30 years and subsequently became the organization’s fourth general.
Pioneering efforts in the U.S. included an idea launched by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee. A Liverpool, England native, McFee is known to have started the red kettle tradition in San Francisco in 1891. McFee placed a pot at the Oakland, California ferry landing, similar to an iron kettle he remembered during his sailor days in England called Simpson’s Pot, and where boat passengers and other passers-by tossed in coins to help the poor.
The red kettle idea spread to the east coast in the early 1900’s, and fast forward to today, The Salvation Army assists more than four-and-a-half million people during Thanksgiving and Christmas, while also working internationally in upwards of 128 countries.
Locally, The Salvation Army of Tioga County donated 37 turkeys to the Tioga Outreach Center for their Thanksgiving food baskets, and is involved in many more fundraising efforts. The Red Kettle Bell Ringer program remains a good portion of the funds, which help people in the community during the holiday season and beyond, and red kettle money collected in Tioga County stays in the county.
Tioga County residents Dale Corbin and Ron Wheeland have scheduled bell ringers and also taken turns ringing a bell for several years. Many others have done the same, including Mary Leonard and her 4-H Ranch Riders group of Tioga County, who rang a bell at the recent Lights on the River event.
Bell ringers are needed at two Owego locations – Tops Market at 1145 State Rte. 17C and Price Chopper, located at 42 W. Main St. Any time donated is appreciated, and it can be individuals, churches, or youth groups or other organizations. Bell ringers will be able to stand inside the store foyer, and away from any inclement weather.
If you are interested in helping, call Ron Wheeland at (607) 687-2733.
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