Partners in
Doing the Most Good

Volunteers are the Heart of our Team.

The service and commitment of our volunteers enable The Salvation Army to:

Even the smallest tasks, like providing pantry items, helping with ringing bells at Christmas, support our mission and, in the end, help change lives in our community for the better. We couldn't do it without you!  Thank you for helping us make our community a place of hope.

The Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 in San Francisco when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to families in need. He used an idea originally developed in Liverpool, England where people could throw some change into a pot to help the poor. Six years later, it spread to the East Coast and continued to grow into the tradition it is today, spreading throughout the entire United States and across the world.  

The Red Kettle Season is The Salvation Army’s biggest fundraising initiative of the year.  

We do not do it alone - Christmas has an Army, an Army of volunteers, donors, and employees who will take to the streets collecting donations to Fight for Good - to give the gift of help, hope, and healing to our neighbors when they need it most.

The Red Kettle financial goal is $162,000 - our ultimate goal is to ensure that we can answer the need of our neighbors in West Berrien and Van Buren Counties when they need it most.

Volunteer: Each Red Kettle needs a warm heart to ring the bell! The hands may be cold -  but being a Red Kettle Ringer is truly one of the most heartwarming experiences you can have!  

Every 2 hrs. volunteered generates approximately $80+ – that is many meals, a month of heat for a family, provide three days of Camp for an underprivileged child! The impact is priceless! When you volunteer and give at a Red Kettle - remember that the funds stay right here in our community, helping our neighbors. Give local…help local! 

Your time is priceless to a family in crisis. So join The Salvation Army as a Red Kettle bell ringer! We are looking for enthusiastic individuals, families, groups, church groups, schools, anyone to donate their time and talents by ringing the bell at area stores in West Berrien & Van Buren Counties!  

The dollars we raise during the Christmas season provide food, toys, and clothing for the Holidays and emergency assistance during the holidays and the whole year. 

Signing up to Bell ring is as easy as visiting Registertoring.com. Check it out - select your favorite location, dates, and times, set up an account (you only have to ever do this once) search Benton Harbor and make your selections of location and you are ready to ring! You will also get a text reminder of your location and shift!  You can also call Vickie Middleton at 269-927-1353 to register. 

Paid Bell Ringers: We have both volunteer and paid bell ringing opportunities. Paid bell ringer applicants should be 18 years of age or older. Must be dedicated and able to stand for long periods of time outside in winter weather, be responsible, and be in good health. Must be neat in appearance, as you will be representing The Salvation Army to the public. Paid Bell Ringer wage is $12.00 per hour. Applications for paid bell ringers are available at The Salvation Army Community Center, 233 Michigan St. Benton Harbor, MI, 49022. 

                                  WEST BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES 

RED KETTLE HOST LOCATIONS                 COUNTER KETTLE HOST LOCATIONS   
Harding's Friendly Market - St. Joseph        Harbor Country Mission - Bridgman 
Harding's Friendly Market - Bridgman         Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services-Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Harding's Friendly Market - Coloma            Harding's Friendly Market - St. Joseph 
Family Fare - Paw Paw                                 Forever Clean Soap Works - St. Joseph
Martin's Supermarket - St. Joseph               M & W Auto Service & Tire - Benton Harbor
Martin's Supermarket - Stevensville             Levalley Chevrolet GMC INC - Benton Harbor
Big Lots - Benton Harbor                              Pro Muffler & Brake Shop - Benton Harbor
Walgreens - Benton Harbor                          Culver’s - South Haven
Walgreens - St. Joseph                                 Starks Family Funeral Homes - Filbrandt Chapel - South Haven
G & M Variety - St. Joseph                            Elks Lodge - South Haven
Walmart Food Door - Benton Harbor
Walmart Pharmacy Door - Benton Harbor
Walmart Food Door - South Haven
Walmart Pharmacy Door - South Haven 
Walmart - Paw Paw

Register now online, make a joyful noise, and help our neighbors when they need it most, or call Vickie Middleton at 269-927-1353.

Register to Ring FAQ

What is the time commitment? It varies. Some groups ring daily, others just once during a holiday season, or as a family or group, you can adopt a specific day and time for the entire Red Kettle season to host that location. We ask you to commit to a minimum two-four hours shift.

Is there an expense for me? No! We supply the kettle, kettle stand, apron, and the bells.

How long is the bell ringing season? This year, we will ring Monday through Saturday from November 1st until December 24th. Red Kettles are out Monday - Saturday, we do not bell ring on Sundays.

Can I pick my location? We have a list of Red Kettle host sites and you can select your preferred location from the list.

Fun Ideas

Sing Christmas carols while you, your friends, or family gather around the kettle.

Develop a challenge amongst your friends, colleagues, or even rivals to see who can raise more funds. (Think Team A vs. Team B)

Dress up! Some of our volunteers wear fun holiday clothing!