SARASOTA COUNTY – The Salvation Army is facing a nationwide shortage of bell ringers this holiday season. One volunteer hopes his unique take on fundraising will inspire others to join. The sounds of the holiday season has a new ring to them this year in Saint Armands Circle.
Glenn Ocock, a volunteer at the St. Armands Lutheran Church, rings in a charitable holiday season using his great grandfathers sleigh bells from 1870.
“They were of course at a time when a one–horse open sleigh was an accepted mode of transportation and they stayed in the family for 5 generations,” he said.
Ocock returned for a second year to fundraise for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign.
“It’s a worthy cause. As the sign said, ‘Doing The Most Good’ and that’s what I respect the Salvation Army for,” he said.
The Salvation Army of Sarasota stationed more than 30 kettles across the county. “We are all volunteer based, so everyone that you will see at a red kettle in Sarasota is a volunteer, whether they’re from a civic group or a church, or individually, or coming out with friends,” said Major Charles Whiten with Salvation Army of Sarasota.
82 cents of every 1 dollar is donated back into the Sarasota community to provide presents under the tree for children or a warm meal for the elderly.”Trying to house the homeless, provide emergency services for rent, utilities, food, clothing, shelter. All those things and many more,” Major Whiten said.
This year, one local donor went above and beyond. “Who’s matching every 20 dollars in the kettle with a 20 dollar donation, so it’s a great season of giving and a great opportunity to visit those kettles around town,” he said.
To volunteer as a bell ringer contact Sharna Rozin: 941-552-5175 or Sharna.Rozin@USS.SalvationArmy.org
2 hour shifts, Mon-Sat 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m through December 24th.
