KYLE — While the holidays are quickly approaching, the Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for the Red Kettle Campaign in the Hays County area. Red kettle donations directly impact the local community; every ring is a glimpse of hope for those in need.
The Salvation Army is a 501(c)(3) organization which operates 7,546 centers nation-wide from food distribution, disaster relief, rehab centers and children’s programs. Annually, the Salvation Army serves more than 25 million people to provide meals, nights of shelter for the homeless and Christmas gifts for children.
Anthony Torres, representative for the Salvation Army, said the organization is in dire need of volunteers for bell ringers at the Walmart in the city of Kyle.
“We haven’t done a good job at staffing the local Walmart with bell ringers so we can collect money from your community,” Torres told the Kyle City Council at the Tuesday, Nov. 17 meeting. “I hope all of you can reach out to your family members, coworkers and constituents to sign up for bell ringing.”
Torres also explained the center in San Marcos serves the surrounding areas including the city of Kyle.
“We may not have a presence locally in your town,” Torres said, “but we serve your community from San Marcos. The amount of money we collect from the cities of Kyle, Buda and San Marcos help thousands of people in your county.”
Former council member Tracy Scheel said she is hoping to see more of the city government and staff volunteer this year.
“I was at the blessing of the bells this morning for the Salvation Army and that was a wonderful and enlightening program,” Scheel told the city council on Tuesday. “I did want to challenge the council, city staff and residents to help volunteer.”
Anyone interested in volunteering as a bell ringer can register online; Digital donations are also accepted this holiday season.
