RED KETTLE fundraising

As the holiday season approaches, the Salvation Army’s programs, including the Red Kettle Program and the Holiday Food Basket Registration are in full swing. And so is Rivenes’ role as volunteer manager. Among the types of volunteers needed, Red Kettle bell ringer volunteers play a huge role in helping fund the Salvation Army programs that Rivenes has been a part of. And while you might want to walk right by those kettles—hands tied up with grocery bags, loose change or cash tucked away deep in your wallet or purse—remember even the smallest amount can make a difference. So take the time to stop and throw any amount in.

Your loose change adds up to provide things that make a big difference in people’s lives. It can buy seemingly small things like bus tickets to a new job until that first paycheck arrives or even just a toothbrush, to something as big as a deposit on an apartment— someplace to feel good about coming home to, a huge stepping stone in self-esteem and independence. You’re buying a cup of coffee and a piece of bread for someone’s breakfast, a Thanksgiving meal that makes a person feel like things are normal again during a time of crisis—even if for just one meal. You might be paying for a simple paper program during the Salvation Army’s worship service.

Your donations also fund meals for the MOMs (mobile outreach meals) program that provides hot meals five days a week to kids who normally get free or reduced-price meals during the school months, but are left to fend for themselves during the summer. The meals are brought to neighborhood parks for kids who otherwise wouldn’t get a hot meal all day. “A lot of the kids come alone—we don’t ever see the parents.”

Giving Your Time

Aside from your monetary donations, your time is one of the most impactful things you can give this year. Rivenes urges those with a giving spirit to give her a call or send her an email. From there, she says, “I’d want to meet you in person and find out what your interests are so we can set you up with something you’ll enjoy.” It doesn’t take more than an hour or two to volunteer and make a difference.

Below are some of the typical time commitments involved in just some of the programs

Rivenes staffs:

FEEDING PROGRAM: 1.5–3 hours (prep of serving at Salvation Army)

BELL RINGING: 2.5 hour shift

REGISTRATION FOR FOOD BOXES: 3.5 hour shifts (at Salvation Army)

CHRISTMAS FOOD BOX FILLING and DELIVERY: 2–6 hours

MOMS PROGRAM: 1–2 hours

(serving or helping with activities)

EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES

(training involved) (hours vary)

Rivenes found her calling in her 30s, maybe a little later than most, but it shows that it’s never too late. Rivenes also reminds us that making a difference in our community doesn’t necessarily mean switching careers. “I look at our individual volunteers who come in on a daily or weekly basis,” says Rivenes, “and how the people who come for our services really look forward to seeing the same volunteers.” The Salvation Army provides many programs, but, Rivenes says, “We wouldn’t be able to do it without all the help we receive from the community.”

Rivenes says of all the things we can give, it’s the free things her clients value the most. She says she’s learned that giving someone a simple smile can change someone’s day. That taking time to listen can make a world of difference. “Sometimes all someone needs is just to be heard,” says Rivenes, “to know that someone is taking the time to listen and care about them. Kindness is free, so don’t be afraid to give as much as possible.”

To find your perfect volunteer position, call Julie Rivenes directly at 701-356-2688 or email julie_rivenes@usc.salvationarmy.org.