Red Kettle bell ringers champion The Salvation Army’s cause

CEDAR RAPIDS-What started as a sea captain fundraising on a dock in 1891 to provide a free Christmas dinner for one thousand poor San Franciscans turned into an annual nationwide tradition where volunteers for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle program ring bells and collect donations during the holiday season.

Lia Pontarelli, director of development and communications for Cedar Rapids' Salvation Army, said the organization has a goal of $805,000. Pontarelli said the organization raises 48 percent of their annual budget during the holiday season, and 34 percent of that comes from the Red Kettle program.

And it wouldn't be possible without the volunteers who care about the cause enough stand in the winter weather and raise donations for many of The Salvation Army's programs.

Twice a week before Thanksgiving until the end of December, Jeannie Schneider, 77, stands outside the Johnson Ave. Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids, dressed all in red and steadily ringing a handheld bell.

Schneider, who started volunteering with the Red Kettle six years ago after her husband died, buys her own candy canes to hand out to children who pass by.

'I wanted something to do so I wouldn't sit at home and watch TV,” she said. 'This is the best part of the whole year, the few weeks that we get to do this. I see people I never see any other time of the year.”

For Bill Holtz, 78, who sets up many kettles at various locations and rings the bell up to eight times a season, it's important to understand that the money raised during the holidays is used for Salvation Army programs throughout the year, he said.

Holtz who sat on Cedar Rapids' Salvation Army board of directors for many years, said the money goes to provide and organize free meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, Toys for Tots, housing programs, financial counseling and more.

'I'm always amazed at the amount of people who put money in the bucket,” Holtz said. ' It's a pleasure to see that and thank them for it. It's one of those things you don't know about until you need it.”

Schneider agreed, saying some people who donate into the kettle say that have used Salvation Army programs in the past.

'What's really nice is when you see someone across the parking lot already getting their wallet out of their pocket,” Schneider said. 'They (The Salvation Army) couldn't manage without this. A lot of people need food. A lot of people need clothes. A lot of people need rent.

'The Salvation Army gives and gives a lot to people that need.”