Rice County Salvation Army Needs Volunteers

The Rice County Salvation Army Unit is in need of volunteers for their board and bell ringers this holiday season.

Jesse Thomas, Board Chair, Rice County Sheriff and Jim Dale, Volunteer Kettle Coordinator for the local unit of the Salvation Army were guests on today's KDHL AM Minnesota program.

Thomas recently replaced Troy Dunn as Sheriff when Dunn retired. Thomas was Co-Chair with Dunn on the board and has been with the Rice County Salvation Army Board for about a decade.

He told us it's heartwarming to hear the stories from people who were assisted by the Salvation Army in the past who volunteer or donate now.

Dale says there are 4 kettles out in Faribault (Two at Wal-Mart, 1 at Hy-Vee, 1 at Fareway), 2 in Northfield and 1 in Lonsdale.

If interested in becoming a board member or bell ringer or both contact Dale at janetnjim@gmail.com or Thomas at jthomas@co.rice.mn.us.

You can also go to registertoring.com to sign up for one or more of the two hour shifts available in Faribault, Lonsdale or Northfield.

Dale says they have a great need for bell ringers during the week of Christmas.

The fundraising goal this year is $60,000 up from last year's $50,000 because of a greater need for various services.

Two years ago when I rang during my usual Christmas Eve shift a woman stopped by and gave me $100 to place in the kettle. She stated every year she tries to donate that much because her Dad was assisted by the local Salvation Army Unit when she was a little girl.

Her mom had passed and he was struggling to make ends meet. The donor never forgot their assistance.

You can hear a podcast of the program below.

This is interesting to read.