With a tireless commitment to serving the less fortunate, The Salvation Army offers volunteer opportunities during the Christmas season that allow individuals and groups to make a tangible difference. Here are a few ways to get involved. 

At the angel tree warehouses 

Through The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, kids are registered as “Angels,” and their Christmas wishlist is shared with donors in the community. These donors then purchase new clothing and toys based on their Angel’s wishes. Then, volunteers distribute the gifts to the families.

This program needs volunteers to help sort the appropriate gifts to each child in the Angel Tree warehouse. Volunteers help with tasks such as organizing donated gifts and inventory, packing gift bags and assisting with distribution. It’s a wonderful way for individuals or groups to aid in making Christmas wishes come true. To get involved, contact your local Salvation Army branch or visit their website to inquire about volunteer opportunities. 

At the Red Kettle 

Volunteering with the Red Kettle is a fun, easy and meaningful way to give back to the community during the holiday season. Volunteering usually involves ringing bells at designated locations, greeting passersby warmly and encouraging donations that support vital community programs. It’s a festive and rewarding experience that not only helps to raise funds but also spread joy and goodwill during a time when many are in need. 

Virtual Red Kettle 

The Red Kettle exists virtually too! The Salvation Army has launched peer-to-peer and crowdfunding campaigns where you can get involved as an individual “virtual bell ringer” or as part of a fundraising team with your church group, a service club or friends.  

Setting up a fundraising page takes only minutes at registertoring.com. Once established, send the link to your social circle and post it to your social media pages—from there, people can make donations to help you reach your goal!  

As a fun way to add some friendly competition to the holiday season, you can even challenge your friends or family to see who can reach their Red Kettle fundraising goals the fastest. 

Register to Ring

Looking for a fun new tradition to start with friends this holiday season? Ring the Red Kettle! Any willing participant can sign up to ring the bell at the Red Kettle at registertoring.com. 

You can ring the bell as an individual, with a group, or virtually! 

When you visit registertoring.com, you will find the perfect time and place to ring bells. Simply sign up for a date, time, and location that’s convenient for you. A kettle and bell will be at your location when you arrive. If there is already a ringer there, just let them know you are the next scheduled volunteer and take over for them. 

Youth under a certain age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Volunteers can sign up for a minimum shift of two hours—with room to ring for more! 

To learn more about registering, visit registertoring.com. 

Crest Books: What You Need To Know

Did you know that The Salvation Army USA has a books division?  

Crest Books is the publishing division of The Salvation Army’s National Publications department. It produces books on topics related to faith, spiritual growth, Salvation Army history, and social justice issues. Crest Books aims to provide resources that support the mission and values of The Salvation Army, including books written by Salvation Army officers (pastors), members, and scholars. 

Their catalog often includes personal testimonies, biblical studies, and insights into The Salvation Army’s global work, making their publications resources for both members of the organization and the wider Christian community. 

Book titles from Crest Books include: “Servants Together: Salvationist Perspectives on Ministry,” “Army On Its Knees” and “Lenten Awakening.”  

To learn more, visit thewarcry.org/crest-books.

The Lit Corner

You’ve heard about Crest Books. Interested in adding any titles to your “to be read” pile? Here are two books to check out. 

Social Holiness by Jonathan S. Raymond. In Jonathan Raymond’s book, discover the joy of social holiness in the crucible of real relationships. 

Rest for the rest of us by Tim Foley. When life demands 24/7 attention, you may find it impossible to rest. We live in a fast-paced world. It doesn’t slow down, so why should you? With an engaging narrative, this book provides a refreshing and informative take on the subject of Sabbath rest. It speaks to anyone looking to renew their sense of joy and find options for coping with life’s pressures.

To Meet A Growing Need

Isaiah Fuentes, a middle school student, raised his hand in a room at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to discuss the events of his day. He recalled the joy of sharing lunch with his friends as a high point but acknowledged feeling frustrated when he later disagreed with a teacher.

Seated in a room of nine of his peers, Fuentes is a part of something important: an after-school Mental Health Awareness Club (MAC) for middle schoolers. Hosted by licensed mental health counselor and Coeur d’Alene Kroc Center Youth and Family Support Specialist, Tyson Durbin, the club provides a supportive environment for preteens to navigate emotions and feelings.

The club explores various topics such as stress coping, mindset management, self-awareness and identity development. 

To read the rest of the story by Haley Osness in Caring Magazine, visit bit.ly/mentalhealth-club.