Ringing in the Holiday Spirit of Giving!

By Michelle Hunter

The bell is a common sound during the holiday season, and you are no stranger to the sight that is often accompanied by the words of holiday cheer: a smiling volunteer in a red Salvation Army apron, with a bell in hand by the entrance of your chosen grocery store. But what you may not know is just how helpful your spare change can be, and who it goes to.

and give back to families over the holidays since 1891. Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee committed himself to provide a free Christmas dinner for those in need. Inspired in Liverpool, England by a large iron kettle known as "Simpson's Pot" intended for passer-by’s to toss their spare change in for the less fortunate. Captain McFee to place a similar pot to fund Christmas dinners. Beside the pot, he positioned a sign that read, "Keep the Pot Boiling." This model proved effective, as he soon had the resources it would take to ensure the needy did not miss a warm Christmas meal.  

and is a holiday staple nationwide. Donations are proudly kept local to the community in which it was donated to. Willcox’s Salvation Army particularly serves those in need ranging from Bowie, Cochise, Pearce, San Simon, and Willcox. Willcox Police Department has joined forces to help provide resources and facilitate aid for the community. For this branch, a large majority of donations received come from Holiday Bell Ringing, emphasizing how significant and impactful this annual event is to the communities served.  

For those who are unable to donate monetarily, canned food items, bathroom supplies, and clothing are top donation items that are always utilized. If you would like to be more hands on, you yourself could become a volunteer! The Salvation Army is enthusiastic about bringing on volunteers who can provide help to the organization.  

If you or your business would like to volunteer one or more days as a bell ringer, volunteer regularly, or donate in other ways, call or go into your local branch to get more information about how you can lend a hand and give back to your community.  

Sierra Vista: (520) 459-8411

Benson: (520) 459-4612

Willcox: 520-766-4231

Left photo by Michelle Hunter. 

Photo caption: Willcox Fire Department Captain Weaver and Willcox Police

Administrative Assistant Melissa Teeters are ready to ring in the

holidays for the local Salvation Army. Look for the annual bell ringers

stationed outside the Willcox Safeway store, sometimes manned by

volunteers from SSVEC as well as other community organizations