Salvation Army Capt. Doug Winters speaks at the Red Kettle kickoff event in Marquette on Wednesday night. (Journal photo by Ryan Spitza)

MARQUETTE — The Salvation Army of Marquette County is once again calling on volunteers to help raise funds through its annual Red Kettle campaign, which began Tuesday at select locations in the area.

To kick off the campaign, local officials joined Capt. Doug Winters of the Salvation Army of Marquette County on Wednesday night at the Salvation Army’s Marquette office.

“This is a way to celebrate and let the community know that we’re starting it up and Christmas is coming close,” Winters said.

It’s especially important to volunteer or donate this year, organizers said, as nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study from Columbia University.

“The Red Kettle campaign is an important part of our fundraising efforts,” Winters said. “We need to be able to raise more money this year. The need is going to increase dramatically due to unemployment and many people in need.”

How to volunteer

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bell ringers are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. There are nationally mandated safety protocols adopted by the Salvation Army to help ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners, organizers said.

Volunteers will also receive training through a brief safety video.

“They have to watch that to be able to bell ring,” Winters said. “Really, it just talks about social distancing, wearing a mask and wearing gloves. We’re going to be wiping down the kettles periodically throughout the day, using hand sanitizer and those types of things. We’re just trying to make it a safe environment for giving.”

To volunteer as a bell ringer, visit RegisterToRing.com or call Salvation Army Marquette County at 906-226-2241. Volunteers must be 18 or older, but families are encouraged to volunteer together.

For each two-hour shift completed, volunteers will have their names put into a drawing to win gift certificates of $500, $250 and $100, courtesy of Jandrons Fine Jewelry. The drawing will take place in early January.

Paid bell-ringing positions are also available. Those interested in paid positions must apply in person at the Salvation Army’s Marquette office located at 1009 W. Baraga Ave., or its Ishpeming office, located at 222 E. Division St.

How to donate

For those looking for a socially distant way to donate this year, the Salvation Army also offers a virtual Red Kettle program.

“New this year is our virtual Red Kettle,” Winters said. “Folks will see signs popping up around town which provide information on ways to give electronically so they don’t have to walk up to a kettle. They can do it all with their cell phone.”

Donors will be able to scan a QR code that takes them to the donation link, he said.

The Salvation Army of Marquette County’s goal this year is to raise over $92,000.

“We really appreciate the support from the community,” Winters said. “We want to get that over the next seven to eight weeks, right up to Christmas Eve. It’s an aggressive goal, but all of that money stays local and it goes toward helping our community here.”

Salvation Army officials are also spreading the word that the organization has expanded its long-time relationship with Walmart through a variety of programs.

These programs include a round-up initiative, the Angel Tree program and the Red Kettle campaign, officials said.

Winters thanked Walmart for supporting the Salvation Army’s efforts.

“Walmart has been a key partner for us each year with our bell-ringing effort, and to expand our programs this year to include the Angel Tree giving and round-up donations is truly a godsend,” he said. “We are seeing more and more first-time registrations this year, demonstrating that the need is great.”

This year, the Red Kettle campaign at Walmart will begin on Nov. 21, one week earlier than usual.

Through the round-up program, Walmart shoppers can round up their purchases — in store and online — to the nearest dollar as a way to donate to the Salvation Army.

The Angel Tree program allows shoppers to select a child or multiple children from the tree and purchase or drop off gifts for those children on site. This year, the Angel Tree registry is available for those who’d prefer to stay home and shop online for children.

“It’s kind of like a wedding registry,” Winters said. “We’ve pre-selected toys, and people can get them online as a nice, socially distanced way to shop. Toys will ship free right to our Salvation Army location.”

The Salvation Army’s toy program in Marquette and Alger counties served 367 families and 741 children during the 2019 holiday season, organizers said. Officials with the organization estimate over 700 families and 1,500 children will potentially need assistance this year.

For more information and ways to donate this holiday season, visit www.RescueChristmas.org. If you need services or know of someone in need, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.