Still time to be bell ringer for Salvation Army

The local Corps of The Salvation Army, one of the largest social service providers, is in great need of more bell ringers through Christmas Eve. Bell ringing is its biggest source of income.

Just a two-hour commitment is all that is asked of volunteers. Bell ringing is an opportunity to give back to the community, get involved in the holiday season and have a lot of fun. Bell ringing locations are available throughout Kane and McHenry counties.

Funds raised locally, stay local to support youth, adult, and senior programming, as well as emergency services and homeless prevention year-round. During the holiday season, funding supports a free community Thanksgiving dinner and toys for children in need.

In 2017, The Salvation Army provided over 10,000 gifts to 1,000 local children through the Christmas Toyland Shop and Angel Tree program. Support came from an all-volunteer bellringing program that raised over $200,000 in the red kettles last year due to the generosity of time from volunteers and donations from the community.

Volunteers are desperately needed this last weekend before Christmas. Those interested can go to www.registertoring.com to register or call the Aurora Corps, (773) 205-3508; the Elgin Corps, (847) 741-2304; McHenry County Corps, (815) 455-2769; or Tri-City Corps, (630) 377-2769, for more information. Please help if you can.