Last year, one local non profit organization alone helped to make a positive difference in local lives at the Salvation Army. Just to give you one story about how much you can do by helping the Salvation Army, here is a breakdown:

The non-profit known as CABLE raised $1,807.50 by ringing bells for your Salvation Army.

• This impacted your community by helping to provide approximately 25,550 hot, nutritious meals in our kitchen.
• This impacted your community by helping to provide Christmas for 885 children in Murfreesboro.
• This impacted your community by helping to provide housing for 400 Center of Hope residents which includes individualized case management, life skills classes and mentoring.
• This impacted your community by helping to provide much needed housing for 75 third shift workers to save enough money to get their own place.
• This impacted your community by helping to provide life skills classes (personal and professional development) for 512 adults.
• This impacted your community by helping to provide 1,300 free music classes for lower income children.
• This impacted your community by helping to provide 55 children and adults (including seniors!) the possibility to attend an overnight week long camp at The Salvation Army's Camp Paradise Valley in Burkesville, KY.
• This impacted your community by helping to provide 244 hours of day camp for 61 children living in the Franklin Heights government housing complex.

From the Salvation Army in regards to bell ringing:

What are the shift times?

There are two shifts. 10:00am-3:00pm and 3:00pm-8:00pm. The volunteer coordinator will work with you to schedule your specific time within a shift if you are not taking a full shift. Please be mindful that some time requests are difficult to accommodate due to logistics. We will do the best we can.

Can my child(ren) ring the bell?

Absolutely! Typically for younger children we arrange for you (parent) and child(ren) to relieve another bell ringer for an hour dinner break. This gives your child(ren) the experience of ringing the bell without freezing to death! We want this to be a fun and memorable experience.

What happens if someone asks for help/drops off Angel Tree toys/donations/asks other Salvation Army specific information that I do not know?

Each kettle stand has a laminated information sheet taped to it that includes answers to frequently asked questions about Salvation Army programs. There are several phone numbers listed as well in case of an emergency. Information for donating via check or credit card is also listed.

What do I do if the next person to relieve me does not show up?

If you are bell ringing together with a group the group coordinator will handle this. Oftentimes groups will post the bell ringing schedule for the day to the back of the kettle stand with names and numbers for each time slot. If you are ringing as an individual and someone does not show up to ring the bell there will be a list of phone numbers to call on the back of the kettle stand and we will assist you.

I'm volunteer for community service hours for school. Can someone type me a letter?

Yes. Just ask and we will be happy to take care of that for you.

I'm 14. Can I ring the bell by myself or do I need a parent?

Generally if you are 14 we ask you to ring with a friend after we have the permission of your parents. Younger than 14 we ask that an adult be present with you as you ring the bell.

Can I ring the bell with my friend(s) or do I have to ring the bell alone?

Please ring the bell with your friends. We want this to be fun for you! Certain stores only allow a certain amount of people at each kettle stand so that traffic into the store is not blocked, but usually two or three at a kettle together is fine.

What do I do with the kettle if I need to use the bathroom?

Each kettle bucket is clipped to a chain on the tripod stand. Simply unclip it and take it to customer service if you are at a Kroger. If you are at a Walmart, Hobby Lobby or Sams Club the volunteer coordinator will go over specific instructions with you before you ring the bell.

Can I know the total amount of money raised in the kettle bucket?

Absolutely! All kettle buckets are counted within 24 hours. The volunteer coordinator can give you a call or email you with your total.

Can I compete with another group/family/friends to see who can raise more money?

Absolutely! Again, we want this to be fun for you! Competitions work best at Walmart locations as there are two kettles--one at each door. We can call or email you with your totals.

Can I post a picture of myself to facebook/Instagram or other social media?

Absolutely! Feel free to tag "The Salvation Army Murfreesboro" for Facebook or @SAMurfreesboro for twitter and trend #RedKettleReason.

What should I wear when I ring the bell?

Please wear warm, dark clothing (optional) and comfortable shoes. You will be provided with a Salvation Army apron to identify you as the bell ringer but you are welcome to wear your group's identifying clothing if you wish.

Do I have to ring the bell the WHOLE time?

Not necessarily but we do ask that you ring the bell as people are coming in and out of the store.

What EXACTLY do I do?

Stand next to the kettle; preferably within arm's length, and greet people as they enter and exit the store as you ring the bell. Feel free to sing, dance and otherwise enjoy yourself. We typically have people say "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" as we are Christian organization but wishing someone a "nice afternoon" is also fine. Most stores will also allow you to hold the door for people as they enter the store. It is up to you. Enjoy your time ringing the bell.

Can I eat/drink/talk on the phone/text at the kettle?

We request that eating, talking on the phone and texting be limited as your success will depend on how much you engage with shoppers coming in and out of the store.

I live in Smyrna/LaVergne. Do I have to ring the bell in Murfreesboro?

We have locations all over Rutherford county including in Smyrna and LaVergne. We can schedule you to ring at a location that is convenient for you.

How can I schedule to ring the bell again?

Email salvationbellringers@gmail.com or call the main Salvation Army office in Murfreesboro at 615-895-7071.