Mat-Su Salvation Army in dire need of bell ringers

PALMER— The Salvation Army Mat-Su Valley Corps is hurting badly when it comes to their overall volunteer and donation numbers this holiday season.

Valley Corps officer, Major Kevin Bottjen said they are in dire need of bell ringers to attend their various Red Kettles across the community. He said they only have two locations out of 14 total locations covered, causing a major crisis in their overall donation gathering efforts.

“We’re very short on bell ringers this year,” Bottjen said. “It’s really affecting us. I’m really anxious.”

Bottjen added that they’re also working without any paid bell ringers on top of their volunteer shortage. He said they normally go through Alaska Executive Services, a temp agency that normally sends about eight seasonal workers to ring bells for them each year.

“But they can’t get anybody to sign up. I can’t even get paid people come ring bells for us,” Bottjen said. “

The Salvation Army’s annual holiday Red Kettle campaign is their largest fundraiser of the year. Bottjen said the money they raise during holidays is used all year and accounts for about half of their overall budget.

“This is our major fundraiser of the year. It’s very urgent. It’s a huge need,” Bottjen said.

Bottjen said they’ve had considerable help from local service clubs, particularly the Palmer Lions Club during this difficult time. He said the Palmer Lions committed to two days a week.

“They’re amazing,” Bottjen said.

The Salvation Army is currently trying various methods of public outreach to recruit volunteers. Bottjen said they’re regularly making phone calls and posting on social media to get the word out there.

“I’m open to creative volunteering,” Bottjen said with a laugh.

Bottjen said that COVID-19 is likely playing a role in their lack of bell ringers this year. He noted that the streak of particularly cold weather is probably not helping either. He said that they’ve adapted their efforts throughout the pandemic, including the implementation of broadcasting their worship services every Sunday since the onset.

“It’s changed our services,” Bottjen said.

Bottjen said that those interested in earning some extra income for the holidays can still go through AES to become paid bell ringers.

“It’s pretty easy, a couple of hours. You get some of your friends together, you can cover a whole day pretty easy with two-hour shifts,” Bottjen said. “When you volunteer, the money donated goes a lot further. I find usually, volunteers enjoy being out there a little bit more and so they tend to do a little bit better when it comes to fundraising because they really are doing it because they want to.”

Bottjen said that ringing the bell will not only help the Salvation Army raise the necessary funds for their holiday fundraising campaign but also give locals a chance to spend time interacting with the community.

“You connect with people you haven’t seen in a while. You have a chance to share the Christmas joy. You might be the only smile they get that day,” Bottjen said.

Bottjen said that all the money raised from the Red Kettles stays right in the Valley and helps the Salvation Army efforts helping the less fortunate through a variety of programs, including their annual Angel Tree toy giveaway. He said the overall need has only been heightened by the pandemic, and there are many families who need help making their children’s Christmas special.

“The need is there... It’s very difficult for a lot of people to make ends meet,” Bottjen said.

Despite the daunting lack of bell ringers, Bottjen is hopeful that people across the Valley will step up to help them through the holidays.

“We’re just going to keep going full speed,” Bottjen said.

Part of Bottjen’s optimism comes from the fact that Valley donors have adamantly supported the Angel Tree program to ensure local children wake up to nice presents on Christmas morning. He said they’ve already gathered a large number of toys and he’s confident that they can get toys to every household that registers this year.

“It’s one of the busiest items and it’s also one of my favorite times,” Bottjen said. “This community just blows my mind. It’s fantastic. The toys are coming in. This community loves to buy toys for kids. It’s mind-boggling what they give sometimes.”

There are currently 46 angel trees at locations across the Valley. Bottjen said there’s still time for businesses and community groups to host an Angel Tree or Red Kettle at their establishment.

The Salvation Army is distributing food and toy boxes Friday, Dec. 17. Bottjen said that local families looking to sign up for the Angel Tree program to provide toys to their children can register by appointment only, but it’s quick and easy to get on the list.

“If you have a need, sign up,” Bottjen said.

For more information about how to volunteer as a bell ringer for the Mat-Su Salvation Army, call 907-707-5583 or visit saangeltree.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com