Nothing says Christmas in the Red River Valley quite like the familiar sound of bells ringing beside a red Salvation Army kettle. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has been a staple in the Red River Valley for longer than all of us have been alive. “We have been ringing the bells in the FM area for over 115 years,” explained Volunteer and Public Relations Manager Kimberly Wagner. “Though the stores, ringers, and means of giving have changed over the years, the heart of the season has not.” The Red Kettle Campaign is one of the Salvation Army’s most productive fundraisers. According to Wagner, last year’s campaign accounted for over 57% of the organization’s budget. “It’s our largest fundraiser and vitally important to continue the programs we offer in this community,” she said.

The program would not be so successful without the service of men, women, and children all over the Valley. There are 34 kettle locations in the FM community, which equate to over 9,500 hours of bell ringing. Volunteers work in 2.5-hour shifts, which means there are over 3,500 shifts to fill. “We don’t raise any money in the kettles if they are unmanned,” Wagner explained, “so it is important to get volunteers at as many kettles as we can.” Without the money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign, many in the Red River Valley would be forced to go without.

The multitude of programs and services funded by the organization is impressive. Whether providing emergency assistance for rent, deposits, utilities, prescriptions, gas vouchers, photo identification, or delivering hot meals, the Salvation Army is there. According to Wagner, the organization served over 52,000 meals last year alone. Other seasonal programs like Thanksgiving and Christmas Food boxes are responsible for ensuring everyone in the Red River Valley has the type of holiday celebration they deserve. Finally, Salvation Army funds also go towards that area’s Emergency Disaster Services team to assist first responders and those affected by an incident such as a house fire. It is easy to see how the Salvation Army has become such an integral part of our community.

The 2014 Red Kettle Campaign kicked off on November 24 and will continue until December 24. According to Wagner, about 70% of the kettles are currently staffed. The organization’s goal is to staff at least 80%. Overall, 5,000 volunteers have rung or are scheduled to ring at area kettles. A fully staffed season would require 7,000 volunteers. The outdoor sites are understandable harder to staff. This year’s unseasonably warm weather, however, has certainly helped in that area.

One of the most exciting parts of the program is the possibility of someone discretely dropping a special coin in one of the kettles. For the past 11 years, a gold coin wrapped in a dollar bill has been donated. On December 3, an anonymous donor made it 12. The one-ounce gold coin dropped in the Northport Hornbachers’ kettle is valued at $1,300. A second gold coin was deposited at the Moorhead Hornbachers a few days later. All totaled, over $3,000 worth of special coins have been donated, including 2 1/10 ounce gold coins, 4 silver coins, 1 silver quarter, and 13 arrowhead pennies.

Area residents volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some donate their time as part of a work, church, or social organization. Others enjoy the time spent with family and the values that service work instills on young children. Still others have made bell ringing a part of their holiday tradition, some having served for well over a decade. Dan Wangrud falls into the latter category. I caught up with him at Gander Mountain, where he explained that he has been ringing for 10 plus years. Wangrud volunteers because he understands what a good and necessary cause the Salvation Army is. “They can do more with $1,000 than the government can do with a $1,000,000” he said with a chuckle, adding that he also enjoys meeting new people. Every year is different for volunteers like Wangrud, which makes the experience that much more exciting.

Paul Berg is another long-time volunteer. Berg has staffed a kettle with the Fire Department for almost ten years. “I really enjoy it,” he said with a smile. “My favorite part is seeing all the people and their friendly smiles.” Berg and other fire fighters are participating this year as part of a challenge with the FM Area Association of Realtors and local law enforcement. It is both a sense of pride for Berg as well as a rewarding experience. “It’s so fun to see how many people are donating,” he said.

A discussion of volunteers would not be complete without discussing the inspiring amount of children that participate each year. Some volunteer their time as part of a group, while others enjoy spending time with family and friends. Miracle (age 9), Morgan (age 6), and Maddie (age 10) rang bells on December 13 with their mothers Amy and Pam, who volunteered along with other Hornbachers’ employees all over the region. The young girls were happy to tag along. It was Pam’s third year participating with daughters Miracle and Morgan. “We like to help people,” the girls said in virtual unison. Amy and her daughter Maddie are experiencing the Red Kettle Campaign for the first time. “We are having lots of fun,” Maddie said. The overarching theme for this group as well as for volunteers across the board is the enjoyment that comes from helping and meeting new people. For young Morgan, the experience is also special for a more personal reason. “I like another chance to put on my Christmas dress,” she said.

It is not too late to volunteer and help the Salvation Army meet their goal of raising $870,000. Last year’s campaign raised $875,000. Let us work together to surpass that total. In a community as large and vibrant as ours, there should never be an unmanned kettle. Ask yourself what you can do. Volunteer as an individual or sign up as a group. There will always be a spot for those willing to serve.

There are multiple ways to sign up to ring the bells. You can go to www.registertoring.com, call 701-356-2691, or email Kimberly at kimberly_wagner@usc.salvationarmy.com.

· Pictured on the front cover is Public Relations Manager Kimberly Wagner.