December 19 is our Club's last day to ring bells!
Thank you, Rotarians, for answering the call to ring bells this holiday season.
As of December 15, there are five openings for December 19: Two openings from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and one opening each at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Please consider signing-up to ring bells! Bell ringing is a tradition of The Rotary Club of Rochester, and we are committed to ringing bells each Saturday, November 14 - December 19 at HyVee 37th Street. Shifts are 8:30 am - 8:30 pm. Please check your schedule and register here to serve. Rotarians are always encouraged to enjoy community service with family members, but this year we ask you to especially consider it with COVID-19 guidelines in place.
"When you volunteer to bell ring, you help improve and even save lives. The money dropped in a red kettle goes right back into your local community. By now you’ve likely heard that two hours of your time at a Salvation Army red kettle raises about $100 in donations." (http://salvationarmynorth.org/volunteer/bell-ringer-faq/) Many times, The Rotary Club of Rochester is recognized as the nonprofit in Rochester with the largest number of volunteer hours for this activity. Let's keep The Rotary Club of Rochester's tradition going!
Please be aware of the following guidelines (some new in 2020 due to COVID-19):
- No more than two ringers may serve at a kettle at one time.
- In an effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, volunteers are asked to divide ringing within their shift unless serving with someone from their household.
- While anyone is invited to volunteer as a bell ringer, kids under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and teens younger than 16 must have permission to volunteer from a parent or guardian.
- Masks and gloves (winter gloves/mittens are acceptable) must be worn while ringing bells.
- Please make sure you are regularly wiping the red kettle lid with the Clorox wipes we will provide you at each kettle location.
- Virtual support of the red kettles will also be an option this year. In addition to the donate page on our website, we will have QR codes and bump pay available at the kettles.
- As part of our agreements with the stores, we are not allowed to give out items or promotional materials at kettles. We ask that while you are volunteering you do not give anything such as candy canes, flyers or other items to shoppers.
- HAVE FUN! Salvation Army bell ringers are an icon of the Christmas season, and pleasant and polite ringers spread the holiday spirit and ensure that businesses will welcome us back in upcoming years.
- Stores want an optimum experience for customers. Greet customers with a smile and the holiday greeting of your choice. Thank people for their donations.
- DRESS WARMLY. Also, please remember that kettle stands must stay in their proper position and cannot be moved.
- If your kettle fills up or you experience any problems while you are ringing, please call the kettle driver. The phone number will be at your kettle location.
- Salvation Army policies prohibit smoking, eating, alcohol and weapons at kettle sites.