Omaha Realtors Created A Holiday Tradition
Every December, members of the Omaha Area Board of Realtors trade their property listings and open house signs for red kettles and brass bells. For 15 years, they have come together to support The Salvation Army’s efforts to help meet the basic needs of Nebraska residents. To date, they have raised over $150,000.
According to Board President Jill Anderson, Realtors are competitive by nature, but they enjoy working together for worthy causes.
“We know the programs and services The Salvation Army provides will help local individuals and families all year long, not just during the holidays. That’s important,” said Anderson. “And being a part of something bigger than ourselves makes braving subzero temperatures a little easier.”
An Added Burst of Joy
When this fundraising tradition first began, local Realtors bundled up in their warmest clothing and manned approximately 200 Omaha-area kettle stations. They enjoyed giving back and embraced what had become a holiday tradition. But one day, a playful spark during a board meeting changed everything.
“Someone in the room was like, ‘We should dress up when we go out there and ring bells.’ And from there, the costumes and creativity just took off!” Anderson recalled.
Little did they know that idea would dramatically boost their participation numbers. Realtors would share photos of individuals and groups in costumes with one another which then motivated other Realtors and offices to get involved, too.
Today, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes planning taking place every winter as Realtors try to secure as many donations as possible in advance. They are no longer just soliciting people who walk past them. Now they are reaching out to their contacts and letting them know when and where they will be volunteering to bell ring. Some Realtors even mail handwritten postcards in advance to clients, friends, and family, inviting them to stop by and put something into the kettle.
Raising money has created a friendly rivalry among the Realtors and offices. Participants keep upping the ante each year by wearing festive attire, adding live music, and encouraging others to sign up for a volunteer bell ringer shift or two. No prizes are given for anyone’s extra efforts. It's just bragging rights and the good feeling that comes with helping others.
“The most memorable thing I’ve seen was a person dressed as Elvis and playing Christmas songs. It was so unique,” said Anderson. “People talked about if for quite some time. The man wasn't even an agent! He was just friends with one and was out there drawing attention to the red kettle in a very entertaining way.”
Love In Action
Even during challenging times like COVID-19, the Realtors remained committed to bell ringing by wearing masks and maintaining appropriate distances during their kettle shifts. They were determined to make sure their tradition continued.
Bell ringing for The Salvation Army serves as a powerful team-building experience for the 3,500 members of the Omaha Area Board of Realtors. Additionally, it offers lessons for other local groups or corporate teams looking for a meaningful holiday service project.
“It's absolutely amazing how it brings a group together whether they're a group of competitors or a co-workers doing a team building activity. Two hours of bell ringing can do so much to raise spirits for the participants, and the people they encounter,” said Anderson.
Over the years, she has seen many heartwarming interactions with passersby while volunteering at a red kettle. They include volunteers offering to push heavy grocery carts, helping community members load items into their cars, and the amount of smiles and conversation among strangers increases.
“When I spend time at a red kettle, I just feel better. I’m in a more positive frame of mind and want to continue going above and beyond for others,” said Anderson.
Volunteer bell ringer opportunities exist throughout the country from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to sign up in their area. For more information, reach out to The Salvation Army location nearest you or visit: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usa-central-territory/volunteer/