By Gabrielle Terrett

The Vicksburg Post

The Salvation Army is searching for bell ringers once again to assist with the collecting of donations for the organization.

Each year churches, volunteer groups, schools and others spend hours ringing a bell in front of different stores around town to encourage people to donate.

This year is no different. The Salvation Army has set up bell ringing sites and has been ringing bells since Nov. 10.

“We started Nov. 10 and we will ring through Dec. 23,” said Trudy James, president of the Salvation Army Auxiliary. “Our bell ringing hours are usually 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sometimes we start at 10 a.m. depending on what time the store opens and with the holidays coming up they probably will.”

Bell ringers are currently at a few local grocery stores and retailers and additions to the group will be made after Thanksgiving.

“We are in front of Kroger’s, Hobby Lobby, Dillard’s, Corner Market, County Market, Piggly Wiggly, Dress Barn and the Vicksburg Mall entrance right now,” said James. “We will be starting the day after Thanksgiving at Walgreen’s and Walmart.”

All donations collected from the Red Kettle drive go directly to the Salvation Army and from there the money goes into the community.

“All proceeds go directly to Warren County Salvation Army,” said James. “It helps with things like utilities, rent, and helping people if they get put down. We help with people whose houses have burned down with getting them clothes, food and a safe place to stay.”

Proceeds are not received without the help of the Salvation Army’s famous bell ringers though. For years, the Salvation Army’s bell ringers have been known to ring bells in front of local stores to encourage passersby to donate to the local group and volunteers are desperately needed to help this year.

Volunteer hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and volunteers are guaranteed at least two hours of ringing.

“We encourage our groups to ring for at least four hours,” said James. “Most organizations ring for six hours. The churches do and our school groups rotate and ring for six hours and those who come alone usually do at least two hours. We’d like organizations to do at least four hours. The time really goes by fast when you’re helping others.”

Groups are welcome to sign up to ring the bell, and so are solo bell ringers.

The Salvation Army has had churches, school groups, families, fraternities and sororities ring bells all over town in the past, according to James.

“The bell ringers are important because they are an invitation to donate. Many people see the bell ringing and it’s just an instinct to give because they know what it is for,” said James. “The bell ringers really don’t even have to say anything because it’s just that much of a tradition. Even for the bell ringers. We have some that we don’t have to call anymore they come to us and ask ‘When is the best Saturday? I have to get the best Saturday,’ because they just love ringing the bell.”

The ringing of the bell symbolizes the beginning of Christmas for many. As the Salvation Army has helped a great deal of individuals in the city, many who donate have a story to tell.

“You’d be amazed at what you can gain from ringing the bell,” said James. “A lot of the people who donate have wonderful stories to tell about the ringing of the bell and it’s just so interesting. The Salvation Army has helped many people and they come back and donate when they can and it’s just great to hear their stories.”

If interested in volunteering, call to Trudy James Salvation Army President at 601-415-2994.