This year more people will be in need and fewer people out in public as the pandemic makes its way worldwide. 

It's been a tough year for most of us, more so perhaps for non-profit organizations that rely on the generosity of the communities in which they serve in order to serve others.

The Salvation Army has just announced that in an extra effort to try to raise much-needed funding, they will be ringing the bells earlier this year. 

Tim Boyle
Tim Boyle
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You can expect to see the famous red kettlebells in Victoria at Hobby Lobby in the days ahead, beginning November, 14th.

Now you can be a part of the bell ringing AND you can do it virtually! Check it out here! Register to RING!!!!!!

Does dropping your spare change into the famous red kettlebells really make a difference? YES! In fact, the kettlebell change brings in a third of the Salvation Army's total annual budget, which in Victoria equated last year to $60,000.00

Founded by William Booth and his wife Catherine, during the Industrial Revolution in 1865, the Booth's felt that the traditional church had sadly become a place where addicts, beggars, prostitutes, and poverty-stricken citizens in England were being shunned. The Booths began to minister to them specifically, calling it the "Christian mission."

Originally known as the Christian Mission, the Salvation Army has an incredible history of ministry and giving. "When Booth read a printer's proof of the 1878 “Christian Mission” annual report, he noticed the statement 'The Christian Mission is a volunteer army.' Crossing out the words "volunteer army," he penned in 'Salvation Army.'

Today, The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world and serves in over 100 countries, offering the message of God’s healing and hope to all those in need.

The famous red kettlebells have their own history too.

In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry so he left a kettle out on the dock to collect sailor's change and was able to feed over a thousand people during that first Christmas season. "Keep the Pot Boiling," was the sign above the next kettle he put out.

Think about how many the Salvation Army has fed spiritually and physically since then.

Extra safety precautions are being put in place for Salvation Army volunteers as they will don masks while ringing bells and there are volunteer opportunities to even ring the bell from HOME! Be sure to reach out to the Salvation Army in Victoria if you have questions or feel moved to help, especially during the holiday season. 576.1297 or visit their website here.

If you've got a little extra change to spare and a little extra time, please be sure to stop by Hobby Lobby at 8404 North Navarro to give starting November 14th.

Your change might be saving a life. 

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Thank you to the Salvation Army volunteers for all they do to help those who need them most.

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