Salvation Army of McHenry County puts out 'urgent' call for bell ringers

The Salvation Army of McHenry County is looking for more bell ringers to help collect donations through Christmas Eve.

Bell ringing is the Salvation Army’s biggest source of income, the nonprofit said in a news release, calling the request "last-minute" and "urgent."

Volunteers can sign up for as little as a two-hour block, according to the release. Bell ringing locations are available throughout McHenry County.

Funds raised locally, stay local to support youth, adult and senior programming, as well as emergency services and homeless prevention year-round, according to the release.

During the holiday season, funding also supports a free community Thanksgiving dinner, toys for children in need as well more than 300 Christmas ham dinners for families in need.

In 2019, the Salvation Army provided more than 7,000 gifts to more than 800 local children through the Christmas Toyland Shop and Angel Tree program.

Last year, the bell ringing program raised more than $200,000, the nonprofit said, adding that the need is greater than ever this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Precautions are in place to help protect bell ringers and donors, including mask wearing, disinfecting all bells and badges and keeping bell ringers 6 feet distance from the kettle.

The biggest Red Kettle fundraising day, the Firefighter Challenge, was canceled because of "extreme caution" and the nonprofit is hoping to make up the more than $20,000 raised during last year's event.

Those interested in volunteering can go to www.registertoring.com or call 815-455-2769 for information. Donations also can be made online at salarmycl.org/kettle.