The Salvation Army Seeks Community Volunteers to Ring a Bell During This Year's Holiday Season

Volunteers Needed to Help Raise Money for Those in Need in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, November 6, 2008 – The Salvation Army is calling on the people of Memphis to give back this Christmas season by volunteering as a Red Kettle bell ringer.

Every year, The Salvation Army serves thousands of people in need. Ringing a bell at a Salvation Army kettle is an ideal way to give back to the community during the Christmas season. Some may think this donation of time or their loose change dropped into the red kettles each year does not make much of a difference. This is not the case.

"The Red Kettle Campaign is our largest single source of public support each year and the volunteer bell-ringers are what helps make it all happen,' said Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander, The Salvation Army. "Even a few extra helping hands at one of our 78 bell-ringing locations can make the difference between a successful fundraising season and us not raising the amount we need to fund our programs."

In 2007, The Salvation Army in Memphis raised more than $330,000. This year, The Salvation Army hopes to raise $335,000. When people put money in the red kettles they are helping to fund year-round programs including homeless shelters, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, toys for children in need, clothing, emergency family shelter, and a variety of other social services.

With the current economical state of our country, The Salvation Army has seen a drop in donations and funding, while the Memphis area command is receiving more requests for help from people in need.

The Salvation Army volunteers and employees will still be ringing the bell outside various retail stores throughout the Memphis-area. The Online Red Kettle is meant to compliment the traditional bell-ringing efforts.

"Our Mission at The Salvation Army is to do the most good for the people who come to us for help," said Major Woodcock. "But, the fact is, we can't do that without public support – of both time and money – during the Red Kettle Campaign season and throughout the rest of the year."

For more information, prospective volunteers should contact Cherita Hopper, Volunteer Coordinator for The Salvation Army at (901) 260-9120. Additional information is available at www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army's work in Memphis is a common belief that all people can make positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our actions and words.

The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. The Salvation Army believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and spirit.

In 2007, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 17,855 people, provided more than 65,000 nights of lodging, and served 208,251 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Abby Turner
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130