Salvation Army rings in season with Blessing of the Bells

Soon the sound of bells ringing will fill the air around local stores as The Salvation Army of San Marcos prepares for its annual Red Kettle Campaign.

The Salvation Army held its annual Blessing of the Bells on Friday, kicking off its campaign.

“All I can say is that I hope that when these bells ring, the tone will fall on the ears of people and it will remind them to give,” said Tim McHutchion, The Salvation Army of San Marcos board president and chairman. “I know that the sound of these bells to some will be the sound of hope.”

The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers for twohour shifts that will volunteer throughout the day. Bell ringing will take place from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Buda, Kyle and San Marcos Walmart stores, Sam’s Club, Hobby Lobby and JCPenny and the Cabela’s in Buda every Monday-Saturday until Christmas Eve.

With the funds raised from its Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army supports children with hunger relief, housing and homeless services, Christmas assistance and youth camps and recreation. Additionally, the organization helps adults with rehabilitation, veterans affairs services, prison ministries, elderly services and by combating human trafficking. The funds raised by the San Marcos Salvation Army stay local and help area residents.

Kyle City Councilmember Dex Ellison shared his Salvation Army story during Friday’s ceremony, telling the crowd gathered of how the nonprofit helped his family with shelter after they lost their home due to flooding during his childhood.

“I’ve participated with y’all the past couple of years. Ringing the bell brings a lot of joy to my heart,” Ellison said. “I am forever grateful for The Salvation Army and the services they provide to the community. You never know who may need those services. It doesn’t matter what people look like or whatnot, everybody falls on hard times one way or another. And, it’s important to have a support system like Salvation Army.”

Above, Brother Jim Lanning speaks to a crowd gathered for The Salvation Army of San Marcos's annual Blessing of the Bells. Daily Record photo by Nick Castillo

Brother Jim Lanning blessed the bells on Friday, highlighting The Salvation Army’s mission. According to its website, The Salvation Army is “an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.”

Lanning also stressed the importance of volunteering.

“I want to remind you too, folks, that the kettle and the bells do not have a soul,” Lanning said. “You’re the soul. We are the soul.”

To volunteer with The Salvation Army, contact the office at 512-754-8541 or email lisa.cruz@uss.salvationarmy.org. To protect volunteers from COVID-19, masks and gloves will be provided if needed.

ncastillo

@sanmarcosrecord.com

Twitter: @Nick_Castillo74