Salvation Army commander puts out call to schedule bell ringers

It's hard to think about Christmas when the thermometer is pushing 90 degrees. But it's Christmas in July, and the Salvation Army is asking people to start thinking about the annual red kettle campaign and their plans to volunteer during the actual holiday season. "I know a lot of people like to plan ahead of time," said Major Mike Morales, who posted the request on Facebook. "If there was a company or a group, this way they could start getting volunteers ahead of time." Morales and his wife, Major Dianna Morales, are commanding officers at the Salvation Army of Findlay. He said that was his idea behind the Facebook post. Major Jim Sayre, who usually works with the volunteers, will also be moving from Findlay to be closer to family. "Since I've been here, he's been my kettle coordinator. He did the schedules and then when they didn't have volunteers, he put the workers in or when somebody called off or didn't show, they would move people around to get the best stores covered," Morales said. "So I'm a little bit nervous. I'm a little bit concerned." He said he will have to take over the job since no one else is trained yet. "But in the meantime, yeah, it's going to be me," he said. Morales said he's heard that the Salvation Army Eastern Territory – which includes Findlay – and possibly the National Salvation Army is coming out with an advertisement or campaign to recruit bell ringers as well. "I'm just jumping the gun," he said. In August, Morales plans to start calling some of the past volunteers to see if he can get them on the schedule or at least thinking about volunteering. "But I wanted to put it out there to the community for those that have never volunteered before," he said. "Maybe they get their company involved and let it be an annual thing because we really need the community to support us. We're not going to be able to do it without them." Individuals along with co-workers, club members, family, friends and church groups can all help, he said. The red kettle season will start Nov. 8 and continues through Christmas Eve. There are no collections on Sundays or on Thanksgiving, he said. Each shift is five hours – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 to 8 p.m. "Or they can do an all-day shift," said Morales. "All they need are 10 people to do an hour a shift for the whole day, just 10 people, that's it." Bell ringers need to be at least age 18 or work with an older family member. "It's a big need and it's community helping community. This year it's definitely a major need because I don't have Major Jim," said Morales. "It's going to run me a little ragged but I've done it before at other Salvation Army's. It's just been many, many, many years since I've done it." Morales said the kettle goal for this year is $95,000 while donations received in 2023 amounted to more than $96,000. That money, he said, fills in the gaps at Christmas while the remainder helps the agency with its programs the rest of the year. Morales' own personal goal is $100,000. "I know I'm stretching it but I'd like 2024 to be the first year the Findlay Salvation Army and the Findlay community reaches $100,000," he said. It would be a Godsend, he added. The Salvation Army's food pantry is low. Morales said it always happens at this time of the year because people are thinking about other things. He said the West Ohio Food Bank in Lima isn't getting as many donations, either. "We're having some concern now so the amount of money we raised with kettles will help with that. That's why I'm personally hoping for $100,000," he said. Morales doesn't want to have to turn anyone in need away. "Right now we're very close to having to do that," he said. His message to the community - think Christmas in July. Groups and individuals can schedule their bell ringing time now for the upcoming season. Call 419-422-8238 and ask for Morales. If he doesn't answer, leave a name and phone number and he will return the call.