The Bell Ringing Purpose Peal: Jeffrey's 293-Hour Service
Jeffrey Kidwell is gearing up for yet another year of volunteering for The Salvation Army's 2024 Kettle Campaign season in Benton Harbor, and he's not letting his brain injury hold him back from serving his community.
The Christmas season is just around the corner, and Jeffrey has committed to ringing the bells on multiple days. The 2024 Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is set to kick off on November 1st, serving West Berrien and Van Buren Counties.
Having grown up in Greentown, Indiana, as one of 11 kids, Jeffrey vividly recalls the financial struggles his family faced. "We were so poor and we knew it. When our oldest brother got done with a piece of clothing, it was the next kid's turn to wear that outfit." Being about 10 miles away from The Salvation Army in Kokomo, Indiana, Jeffrey remembers his mother going there to receive services. Despite their hardships, The Salvation Army of Kokomo, Indiana, was there to provide assistance with clothing and social services. This support became especially significant during the holiday season when Jeffrey's mother sought help from The Salvation Army, ensuring that there were Christmas gifts for the family. To this day, Jeffrey continues to volunteer and ring bells for The Salvation Army as a way of paying forward the support and love his family received during their time of need. "I bell ring because there are people in this community who need help. With these funds, someone may have a chance to do better in their lives. I want to ring to pay it back. If it wasn't for The Salvation Army, we wouldn't have Christmas. When my mother left to go to The Salvation Army in Kokomo, we knew we would have gifts that year."
*Jeffrey bell ringing for The Salvation Army - West Berrien & Van Buren Counties
Viewing his bell ringing as a form of ministry, Jeffrey aims to spread love and hope to those passing by the kettle each year. Despite facing a traumatic brain injury in 2009, Jeffrey credits Jesus for giving him a second chance at life. He candidly shares his remarkable journey of overcoming addiction and the incredibly close call that led him to reevaluate his life. Since making a recovery, Jeffrey has renounced alcohol and drugs, finding solace and strength in his faith. He emphasizes the transformative power of his relationship with Jesus, which has become a cornerstone of his life and a source of hope for others. "When I came out of that coma, I gave up all the drugs and alcohol and told Jesus I would live for him. The doctors told my family if I came out of the coma, I would be a vegetable. If you were to ask me about Jesus before the brain injury, I would have told you that he and that bible were fairy tales. I have a relationship with Jesus now, and I talk to him all the time. Others need to hear how Jesus saved my life." Jeffrey's unwavering dedication to volunteering for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign is truly inspiring, and his story is a powerful testament to the impact of kindness, hope, and faith. His selfless efforts serve as a beacon of positivity within the community and a reminder of the transformative power of Jesus and giving back.
Jeffrey has been dedicating his time and effort to ringing bells for The Salvation Army of West Berrien and Van Buren Counties since 2020, inspired by seeing his friends volunteer to ring. It's truly a full circle moment for Jeffrey, as he stresses how grateful he is for receiving assistance from The Salvation Army in his younger years, and now he's giving back to assist others. From 2020 to 2023, Jeffrey has raised an astounding $3,640.13 over 293 volunteer hours. Looking ahead, Jeffrey has plans to continue his bell ringing for the 2024 Kettle Campaign. "At the age of 68 and with this brain injury, I plan to raise as much money as possible, meet as many people as possible, and help as many families as possible. My health will not stop me."
It's incredible individuals like Jeffrey who, along with others in our community, have a profound impact. Families have food on the table, men have found shelter, and families and individuals can remain in their homes, all because of the generous assistance provided by volunteers and donors who give to The Salvation Army.
If Jeffrey's story has struck a chord with you, we encourage you to consider signing up as a volunteer bell ringer in West Berrien and Van Buren Counties. Just two or more hours of your time could make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Sign up at RegisterToRing.com, and in the search bar, type Benton Harbor and search for locations within West Berrien and Van Buren Counties. Additionally, please visit sabentonharbor.org to donate online to The Salvation Army of West Berrien and Van Buren Counties. Your generous support truly makes a difference in the lives we serve and those in need. Jeffrey's infectious smile, heartfelt thank-yous, and sweet candy canes have been a staple as he volunteers with the Red Kettles at local businesses, all in an effort to give back to his community. Your smile can brighten the holidays for others as well! Thank you for your kindness and support!