As the holiday season approaches, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands is seeking local volunteers to join their cause as bell ringers for the upcoming 2023 Statewide Red Kettle Campaign. With the aftermath of the devastating Maui wildfires and the ongoing challenges brought on by the pandemic, the organization anticipates that the needs of our local communities will be greater than ever this holiday season. The Red Kettle Campaign, which has been around for over 130 years, aims to raise essential funds to support The Salvation Army’s vital services. By signing up as a volunteer, you can help expand their social service initiatives and directly benefit individuals, families, and communities in Hawaii. Additionally, The Salvation Army is actively providing assistance to those affected by the recent wildfires in Maui, offering not only financial aid but also spiritual and emotional care. Be a part of this meaningful cause and spread joy during the holiday season by becoming a bell ringer. Find out more about volunteer opportunities on Hawaii.SalvationArmy.org.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign
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Overview
As the holiday season approaches, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands is gearing up to address the growing needs of our communities, exacerbated by the aftermath of the devastating Maui wildfires. The organization is now calling upon compassionate individuals to join its cause as volunteer bell ringers for the upcoming 2023 Statewide Red Kettle Campaign.
Objective
This iconic campaign that has been around for over 130 years seeks to mobilize volunteers to oversee the signature Red Kettles placed throughout the islands during November and December. The primary objective is to raise essential funds to support The Salvation Army’s vital services to meet the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals, keiki, kupuna, and families throughout the year.
Impact of Recent Events
Amidst the ongoing challenges our islands have endured initially brought on by the pandemic and compounded by the impact of the recent Maui wildfires on an already weakened economy, we anticipate that the needs of our local communities will be greater than ever this holiday season and well into 2024. Our Red Kettle Campaign is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, and the more volunteers we can rally, the more kettles we can place throughout Hawaii. This enables us to expand our social service initiatives that directly benefit our local communities, including support for those impacted by the Maui wildfires. It’s crucial to remember that all funds raised within these Red Kettles stay right here in our Hawaii, in the specific communities where they are raised.
Importance of Volunteers
The Salvation Army is calling for compassionate individuals to become volunteers for the Red Kettle Campaign. By mobilizing volunteers, we can expand our reach and make a greater impact in our communities. Volunteers play a crucial role in not only raising essential funds but also in creating awareness about The Salvation Army’s services and initiatives. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to directly contribute to improving the lives of individuals, keiki, kupuna, and families in need.
Assistance for Wildfire Victims
In addition to the Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army is actively engaged in providing assistance to those affected by the recent wildfires in Maui. As the community seeks to heal and be restored, The Salvation Army has extended a helping hand by providing direct financial assistance and offering spiritual and emotional care to survivors. By volunteering for the Red Kettle Campaign, you are supporting these efforts and helping the community recover from the devastating wildfires.
Duties of Bell Ringer Volunteers
As a bell ringer volunteer, your duties will include staffing a Red Kettle, ringing the familiar bell, and wishing shoppers a joyous holiday season. Your presence and friendly demeanor can make a significant impact in encouraging donations and spreading holiday cheer. While volunteers sign up individually, you can also consider bringing along co-workers, friends, and family to join in the festivities and make it a memorable experience for all.
Longtime Volunteers
The Red Kettle Campaign has seen a consistent influx of returning volunteers, such as Matthew, who has selflessly dedicated 49 years as a bell ringer with The Salvation Army on Maui. Matthew’s journey began in 1974 when his friend and former Advisory Board Member, Clarence Kamai, introduced him to the art of bell ringing and the joy of sharing the spirit of Christmas through music. Matthew and Clarence strummed the strings of their instruments – guitar and ʻukulele – as they collected donations for The Salvation Army during the holiday season. Matthew said, “Music is my passion, and I love sharing it with others.” Their dedication and long-standing commitment embody the true spirit of the Red Kettle Campaign.
How to Volunteer
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for the Red Kettle Campaign, you can explore current volunteer opportunities by visiting Hawaii.SalvationArmy.org. On the website, simply click on the “Volunteer” button located in the top left corner of the webpage. By signing up as a volunteer, you are not only contributing to a worthy cause but also joining a community of compassionate individuals dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need.
As the holiday season approaches, let’s come together and make a meaningful impact through The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. By volunteering your time and spreading holiday cheer, you can help raise essential funds and support individuals, keiki, kupuna, and families in our local communities. Your participation is invaluable, and together, we can create a brighter holiday season for all.