Volunteer bell ringers are being enlisted now for the Lockport Salvation Army’s 2024 Red Kettle Campaign.
The chiming for charity is off to an early start this year after the national Salvation Army reached out to corporations seeking their consent to begin the annual campaign prior to Thanksgiving. According to Lockport Salvation Army Major Tom Duperree, Tops Friendly Markets agreed to host the campaign within its footprint beginning Nov. 4, making that the first day of the extended bell-ringing season here.
Members of the Lockport Salvation Army Advisory Board will take the first bell-ringing “shifts” at the Tops market on South Transit Road.
Meanwhile, Duperree said, Walmart agreed to begin hosting the campaign on Nov. 16, 12 days before Thanksgiving.
Proceeds of the Red Kettle campaign underwrite the Salvation Army’s numerous social assistance programs including a Food Bank, afterschool programs and summer camps for children, rent and heating assistance, and Code Blue emergency sheltering during winter.
This year’s local fundraising goal is the same as last year’s goal, $100,000.
Last year’s campaign came close, raising $86,000, and Duperree is “optimistic” about hitting the target this year.
Considering the steady increase in requests for assistance the past few years, he said, “we really need to hit that goal… I believe we can.”
Individuals and groups are welcome to sign up for one or more bell-ringing shifts at www.registertoring.com. By entering ZIP code 14094 when prompted, you’ll be able to see all the available days, shifts and stores where Red Kettles need tending. There’s also an option to be a “virtual” ringer who raises money for the campaign independently.
Duperree’s hope is to see as many in-person store shifts covered as possible. “Obviously, on days we don’t have ringers, we won’t be able to cover those (kettles),” he said.
Those who register for bell ringing online will receive a report, after their shift, informing them how much money they helped raise or, as Duperree put it, “the impact they had” as volunteers for the local Salvation Army.