Salvation Army Tri-City Corps needs bell ringers and other volunteers

The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps is in need of volunteer bell ringers this holiday season. According to Steve Hawkins, resource development director, many of the volunteer ringers are older people, who aren't coming out because of fears of the pandemic.

For those interested in helping, go to RegisterToRing.com to see available sites, dates, and times. Or, they can call Lt. Scott Smith at (630) 377-2769 and he will help them register.

Volunteers can ring as individuals or as groups. Hawkins added that kazoos are not allowed this year, but "you can still have a fun time doing it!"

The Salvation Army supplies masks. They do require gloves (winter gloves are acceptable), and require social distancing at the kettles. After each session, the kettles are wiped down and disinfected. "We try to be as safe as we can considering the circumstances," Hawkins said.

Other volunteer opportunities are available for December. These include:

Weekdays through Dec. 15: Sort Christmas toys in the gym. Approximately 8 people/day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to sort toys by age, needs, etc.

Dec. 7-8: Put together Mothers' Bags. Approximately 8 people/day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sort and put together gift bags for mothers.

Dec. 9-15: Sort and put together family bags. Approximately 8 people/day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sort and put together family bags.

Dec. 17-18: Distribute Christmas gifts with three shifts (10 people each) from 9 to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 1 to 3 p.m. Distribute Christmas bags contactless to trunks of cars for people with letters.

Dec. 21: Clean up and put everything back in basement. Approximately 10 people from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take everything back to basement and clean up.

To volunteer, please contact Cathy Williams at cathy.williams@usc.salvationarmy.org or (630) 377-2769.

The Salvation Army also has Angel Tree tags at Walmart and people can call to Adopt-A-Family. Any help, whether volunteering, or donations is greatly appreciated. Those needing assistance are encouraged to call as well. Help could be for rent, utilities, food, toys, etc. Call (630) 377-2769.