Keep The Bells Ringing This Holiday Season
Colton resident Vincent Arellano is a recently hired bell ringer “This is a good opportunity to come out and give to the community.” Prior to working as a bell ringer, Arellano served as a Cavalry Scout in the military for over 12 years. Arellano was stationed in Germany, Texas, and Iraq during his service. “It feels good to be back home,” said Arellano.
The Salvation Army has been in San Bernardino since 1887
For more Information call
Carl Dameron @ (909) 534-9500
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The San Bernardino Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) is seeking volunteers to ring bells in Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino.
The nationally recognized shiny red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season.
“This is a wonderful way to help disadvantaged people in our community, simply by volunteering as bell ringers,” said Major Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “We’re looking for individuals, families and groups to spend a day at one of our more than 30 locations in the San Bernardino area.”
The Salvation Army began ringing its bells this year on Friday, Nov. 16th and continues from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Salvation Army Board member and Police crime scene photographer Ricardo Tomboc played the Banjo and asked for Kettle donations at the Walmart on Highland.
“The more people who volunteer, the fewer people the agency must hire,” said Major Ball “For each volunteer bell ringer we have, it means more money raised in direct support of our services to those families in need.”
Colton resident Vincent Arellano is a recently hired bell ringer “This is a good opportunity to come out and give to the community.” Prior to working as a bell ringer, Arellano served as a Cavalry Scout in the military for over 12 years. Arellano was stationed in Germany, Texas, and Iraq during his service. “It feels good to be back home,” said Arellano.
For the past year Arellano has been on many job interviews “The process has been slow, I usually do about three job interviews per week.” Bell ringing is Arellano’s first job since he ended his military service almost one year ago.
Arellano was not on the list to be hired as a bell ringer, but was told to show up at the Salvation Army in the morning to see if he could work. He was hired to work when more help was needed. “This is another opportunity to add to my resume,” said Arellano.
Arellano is proud to be working as a bell ringer “This is a good opportunity to give to the community, it provides me with a temporary job and the donations provide for those less fortunate than me.”
Salvation Army Board member Carl Dameron rings the bells with his family. Left to right: Malaika, Carl and Shaila. Photo by Ricard Tomboc
“The San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for those at its Hospitality House transitional shelter,” said Major Ball. Up to 75 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters.
The Salvation Army also needs food daily for up to 200 people who receive a free dinner served six nights a week. Approximately 40,000 meals are served annually from the Army’s kitchen located at 746 W. 5th Street in San Bernardino.
Feeding the hungry is just one of the ways money donated to The Salvation Army helps. The Salvation Army also helps provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
To volunteer as a bell ringer in Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino, call The Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336.
In addition, one may donate to The Salvation Army online, through the website www.salvationarmyusa.org. Donors may specify to which branch of The Salvation Army the money should be sent.
How the Bell Ringer campaign began:
Captain Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.
As a sailor in Liverpool, England, Captain Mcfee saw people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” to help the poor. He decided this might work in California too.
Captain Mcfee set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, which operated a ferry that was, in those days, the only way across San Francisco Bay. He put a sign on the kettle saying “Keep the Pot Boiling” and raised enough money to serve the Christmas dinner.
His idea spread quickly, and by 1897 Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve the needy in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Corps collecting money this way before the turn of the 20th Century was The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, which formed in 1887.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church, and also offers holistic programs for individuals of all ages. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino.
Donations can always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
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