The bells are ringing as the Cadillac Salvation Army rolls out its biggest fundraiser of the year, the iconic Red Kettle campaign.
The Red Kettle Campaign raises money to help people in Wexford, Missaukee, and Kalkaska counties year-round.
The sound of Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is synonymous with the Christmas season. And for the past 50 years, Dave Monson has been synonymous with the Red Kettle Campaign in Wexford and beyond.
“I love ringing the bells. And I used to do it for three-hour stints. But as you get older, your body tells you that it’s too cold. So now I just do an hour or two,” said Monson.
Dave is one of dozens of Salvation Army volunteers who will be spread out across Northern Michigan communities in the coming weeks helping with the Red Kettle campaign.
Salvation Army Captain Greg Bock said the campaign draws attention to the vast needs of people in our area, while also raising money to help them year-round.
“That bell ringing is somebody who cares enough to stand the kettle and sound that alarm on the need that’s out there that people are facing every single day. We’ve seen those numbers go up consistently, all year long, all year long,” said Bock.
Monson said being a bell ringer is all about helping others.
“I just thank God that I had the opportunity to do it, you know, because it’s not about me. It’s a great, great time of the year, but it’s a difficult time of the year, too. It’s very hard on a lot of people. They’re hurting, so we’ve got to do whatever we can.
Dave said he’s met some amazing people in his 50 years of bell ringing, and hopes this year is no different.
“They understand what you’re trying to do, and they appreciate that. And we have more people in need now than ever. I’ve never seen so many homeless people, so many people hurting. It’s just been a wonderful experience, and I hope to continue it as long as the good Lord allows me,” said Monson.
Cadillac’s Salvation Army is still in need of more bell ringers to make this year’s campaign a success.
Salvation Army Advisory Board Member, Robin Sims said the non-profit hopes to raise $200,000.
It’s their biggest fundraiser of the year and raises money for Salvation Army programs that help people year-round.
Sims said there’s still about 3,500 ringing hours that need volunteers, especially on weekends.
“I think a lot of people see people out there serving and ringing bells in the community. So, they think there isn’t a need. They don’t realize that it’s the same people sometimes doing it over and over again. And we do have 3, 500 hours that are in need, to be served. And those people that are out there doing it; the few can’t do it on their own,” said Sims.
The Red Kettle campaign runs through 1 p.m. on Dec. 24. You can register to ring here.