Season of bells – volunteers challenge each other to give back

Some say it’s the season of snowballs. Some say the season of giving. For many, however, it’s both — and the season of bells.

From Nov. 15 until Dec. 24 The Salvation Army bell ringers are setting up shop outside the Fredericktown Walmart at various hours with their iconic red kettle drum, taking donations for local organizations. Last year they raised $48,000.

Who are the bell ringers?

In October, Bell Ringing Coordinator Teresa Rehkop sent out a letter requesting volunteers for all the companies around town, churches, and a list of people. They sometimes call up during the week to schedule, or are on a lineup to do it, with more added throughout the campaign.

“I’ve had a lot,” Rehkop said. “I’ve got a schedule I can go through.”

Most of the ringers are outside Walmart, who lets them stand in front of their Christmas trees, and stores the kettle bell and aprons overnight.

Rehkop said while she encourages volunteers to join at least groups of two, many have come from local churches, or businesses in larger groups. Rehkop’s own employees, at the health department, will take to the trees if they have a spare hour or two.

Emergency 911, in a group of four, loudly chimed their own sleigh and jingle bells in a fanfare for anybody who dropped a dime in the bucket.

“Our gold star Bell Ringer is John Robbins, a member of the Salvation Army,” Rehkop said. “Two or three days a week he will take his time to ring the bell.”

The Fredericktown Elementary School and Student Ambassadors sometimes ring the bells. “People love to see kiddos,” Rehkop said. “They see little ones, and they stop to drop a dime in the bucket.”

Some others contributing have been Cap America, Black River Electric, the Historical Society, or New Era Bank and Ozark Federal Savings and Loan, Retired Teachers Association and Ozark Manor.

Where the donations go

The bell ringing campaign is easily Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser, Rehkop said, which raised $48,000 last year.

Madison County gets to keep 85% of what is collected from the red buckets, with 15% going to the Midland headquarters in St. Louis, which oversees 27 chapters.

“We’re one of the very few organizations around that gets to keep that amount,” Rehkop said. “That’s why we really push that salvation army.”

Those funds go back to the county during a crisis, and help with different organizations. Some of those are East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA), The Madison County Senior Center, medical equipment for Matthew 7:12 Ministry, and a Head Cancer Foundation strictly for Madison County Residents.

For EMAA, for example, the Salvation Army will sometimes help individuals with electric bills in the Summer or Winter months. Sharron Tinnen, who has been the chair person for the local chapter for over 25 years, will sometimes interview clients directly for that benefit, Rehkop said.

A competitive game

The bell ringing campaign is a point of pride, fun and competition for the participants.

Jane Kopitsky, a volunteer for Glass Slipper, posted a video challenging other businesses to ring the bells. She challenged Glass Slipper to ring, and a couple of hours a week they brought along others.

Soon a chain of competitors followed, covering many places in town.

Salvation Army volunteers also distributed counter kettles to various stores. The top 3 businesses who collect the most money are awarded, Rehkop said.

“A&M has had first place for several years, so they are the ones to beat,” she said. “If you’ve been out there, and know the owner, Bobbie, she encourages everybody to donate because she loves to win that award.”

She said it’s impossible to get every day entirely filled, but there are plenty of ringers.

“You’d be surprised,” she said. “I’ve had individuals who want to ring on Christmas Eve. They might ring one or two hours, but there’s usually somebody out there at some point in time.”

Those interested in volunteering may contact Teresa Rehkop at teresa.rehkop@lpha.mo.gov