by Kathleen Richardson

Created on: November 29, 2008

One of the best-known holiday volunteering opportunities originates with the Salvation Army. Walk down any street or approach a large supermarket or department store, and Salvation Army bell ringers are there. Just listen for the non-stop ringing of bells.

Hour after hour these volunteers stand by their Santa-red kettles which hang on matching red tripods, waiting for donations in the form of whatever change or bills people might be willing to toss in.

Rents are overdue, food is in short supply, and unemployment is running rampant in this 2008 economy. Salvation Army dollars will go to help many of those who aren't doing so well.

Because of Salvation Army kettle collections, families in distress are better able to enjoy the holidays. Those families who might normally have to go without dinners, clothing and toys during the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season will now be able to give thanks.

Volunteering during the holidays as a Salvation Army bell ringer opens the door to introducing the entire family to community service. Two adults typically stand beside the kettle. But, add a child or two to the mix, and the comfort level for those walking by increases. Guilt and the urge to cross the street or head for another entrance lessen when a child is standing at the kettle. Kids are cute and so excited when someone places money in the Santa red kettle. People are more likely to stop to talk to children and families, and they give more.

In this computerized day and age, the Salvation Army even offers volunteers the chance to host their very own Online Red Kettle.

According to the Salvation Army over four and a half million people receive aid during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. Without volunteers to stand by the donation kettles, the numbers would be much less because of theft.

This holiday tradition is not confined to the U.S.A. The Salvation Army reports: "Kettles are now used in such distant lands as Korea, Japan, Chile and many European countries."

Volunteering to stand at a Salvation Army collection kettle during the holidays is one of the numerous opportunities available through this international organization. Volunteering needs continue year round. However, for those seeking a way to help in November or December of each year, yet unable or unwilling to stand with the red kettle, there are other ways to give time, energy and talent.

Various companies or corporations voluntarily place Christmas "angel trees" in their lobbies. These trees are decorated with tags showing the first name, gender and age of a child in desperate need of Christmas cheer. A donor picks a name or two and volunteers to shop for the child. Time and money spent this way bring joy into the heart of a youngster who might otherwise not have a holiday celebration.

In addition to manning donation kettles and being a Christmas "angel", volunteers can deliver Christmas gifts to shut-ins, or help prepare and serve meals at shelters.

The Salvation Army goes beyond giving gifts and food. They strive to bring spiritual enlightenment and hope to those they serve and to those who serve them through volunteering during the holidays and all year long.

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