Finding Solutions: Volunteer for Red Kettle Campaign to help those in need

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has kicked off and bell ringers are ready to greet you as you make your way inside the stores.

Last year, they exceeded their goal and raised more than $235,000.

Every time you donate, the money stays local and goes right back to the organization that is finding solutions in how to serve more people with your help.

Caroline Barrett has been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for 30 years.

“It brings the Christmas spirit to you and makes you feel happy. It’s the time for Jesus and his birthday,” said Barrett.

It’s a job she takes seriously.

“We need more joy. We need people to smile, and it seems like all year long they’re sad. When they see somebody like that smiling and ringing the bell, they get happy,” said Barrett.

Every donation stays local and directly impacts people at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope.

Major Jonathan Raymer with the Salvation Army of Augusta said: “Over the last two years, we’ve been able to get 300 people into housing. So without this piece of it, without this funding part, it’s difficult to do what we do at the Center of Hope.”

So far this year, the Salvation Army of Augusta provided shelter to nearly 25,000 people, served more than 57,000 meals and had 61 job skill grads.

You, at home, made this possible.

“We are infinitely blessed by the community and their amazing generosity. We saw that through Helene and we see that still to this day. People are willing to jump in and help. People willing to donate, and sign up to ring the bell,” said Raymer.

As the holidays approach, more volunteers are needed to ring the bell.

Barrett said: “I’m just happy to do this and keep on ringing every year and helping out the Salvation Army so they can help the people who are in need.”

For more information or how to sign up, visit Salvation Army’s website.

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