Salvation Army hiring paid red kettle bell ringers to help meet donation goal

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Salvation Army is kicking off its "Rescue Christmas" mission.

Doug Hanson, a captain with the Salvation Army, says red kettle bell ringers will play a crucial role in helping them meet their half-million-dollar goal; especially during the pandemic.

The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps is hosting a job fair in hopes to recruit bell ringers for its 75 red kettle locations.

Hanson says the donations they receive will go directly to helping local families eat and put toys under the tree this holiday season.

"Last year we helped nearly 450 families. Nearly a thousand children received toys," says Hanson. "We’ll serve about 3,000 meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas combined at five locations across El Paso county.”

Hanson says they're worried they won't receive enough donations to meet the needs of families; even with the help of their new online donation option.

"The fear is with [fewer] people going out shopping, there will be less response to kettles," says Hanson.

Though many red kettle bell ringers are volunteers, Hanson hopes their paid positions offer an extra incentive for people to join.

The paid bell ringer hiring event is on November 2nd and 3rd from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on 908 Yuma Street.

An I.D or drivers license, along with your social security or passport, are required to apply.