Every year the Salvation Army places red kettles outside of popular stores to raise money for the less fortunate during the holiday season. In Buffalo there are kettles outside of Walgreens, Coborns, Walmart, Cub, and Target. Shoppers are encouraged to quickly stop and put some loose change into the kettles.
In a survey of 50 BHS students, 72 percent said that they will donate to the kettle every once in awhile. Sixteen percent said they will always place some loose change into the kettles and 12 percent say that they never do.
“I always pull out any loose change that I have because I’m sure others would have more need for it than me,” said Junior Lindsey Hartfiel. “I donate because it’s the right thing to do.”
Along with every red kettle is a bell ringer. A bell ringer is a volunteer who stands by the kettle and rings a bell. Freshman Thomas Dirks knows exactly what it’s like to be a bell ringer.
“I got involved with this through my 4-H group. In my time as a bell ringer there have been warm and cold days and I usually ring the bells for about one to four hours. It all depends on how many people show up. The people who do usually treat us nice and thank us for our service,” said Dirks. “It feels great when someone donates because I know that my time there was making a positive impact on someone’s life. I enjoy being a bell ringer.”
The 50 students have many different reasons for donating. Some of the reasons were to be nice, because they feel obligated to, and that it feels right. However, the most popular reason was guilt.
“I feel bad for the bell ringers and sometimes guilty if I don’t put something in the bucket,” said Senior Mackenzie Karvonen, “I know just a little can do a lot and every penny counts. It feels good to know I’m helping someone out.”
According to Salvation Army USA, the Salvation Army helps more than four and a half million people in the U.S. during the holiday season. It’s so successful that there are now red kettles placed all over the world.
“I always feel like it’s finally Christmas season when I see the ringers,” said Freshman Stephanie Berg. “It’s timeless for every Christmas.”
Story By Taylor Holt
