Hutchinson Salvation Army
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army’s bells have been ringing for a little over a week. As Thanksgiving is approaching and people do their shopping, many times, they have their young children asking what the purpose of the ringing bells. Most parents respond by saying, “this helps people who are in need.”
Major Paul James of the Reno County Salvation Army says, it’s “the sound of hope to so many in our communities at this time of the year. Many hear the bells, and they know that there is hope for either them or for their neighbors during the holidays.”
Each year The Salvation Army of Reno County helps thousands of families and individuals with Thanksgiving gift cards through their partnership with Eagle Radio’s Project Concern, roughly 900 households receive Food Boxes for Christmas last year, and more than 1,000 children receive toys annually. All of this is on top of the daily assistance with The Salvation Army’s other programs and services they provide for our communities.
Maybe you’ve been asking about these bells and what you can do to help. Through REGISTERTORING.COM you can sign up to volunteer for 2 hours or more to bring hope to those who are hurting financially at this time of year.
“It’s a wonderful time to ring bells because you get to see people you know. You also get to hear from people who have been helped before and see them give back because others were generous and helped them in the past”, said Major James.
The Salvation Army is trying out a new way to give this year through “Tap To Give”, where you can tap your bank card on either $5, $10, or $20 options. Wednesday November 27, “Tap To Give” will be available at Marketplace Dillons on 30th , Walmart, and Hobby Lobby. After Thanksgiving it will also be available at the Dillons off of 5th and Adams. Major James says, “With everything becoming more of a cashless society, we hope this will bring a relief to those who want to give as they pass the kettle but don’t have cash in their pocket.”
The Salvation Army hopes you’ll think about volunteering to ring bells this year, or giving as you hear the sounds of hope while passing by a red kettle.