Bell Ring Offers Students Community Service Opportunities

Bell Ringing for The Salvation Army Is a Great Service Opportunity for Students

For middle school and high school students across Michigan looking to earn volunteer service hours, bell ringing for The Salvation Army is one of the most flexible, rewarding, and community-centered opportunities of the season. And with just seven bell-ringing days left in this year’s Red Kettle Campaign, now is the perfect time for students to get involved.

More than simply standing beside a red kettle, bell ringing allows young people to build responsibility, leadership, and empathy — all while supporting local families in their own Michigan communities.

Flexible Scheduling That Works for Busy Students

One of the best parts of bell ringing is the ability to create a schedule that fits any student’s commitments. Volunteers can choose:

• When they ring — mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekdays, or weekends
• Where they ring — outside grocery stores, major retailers, malls, and community locations across Michigan
• How long they ring — from short two-hour shifts to longer volunteer blocks

This flexibility makes it easy for students to earn service hours around sports, clubs, homework, seasonal jobs, and family activities. Sign-up is quick and simple at RegisterToRing.com.

For those who need official documentation, a Salvation Army supervisor will sign off on service hours on-site or through a volunteer coordinator.

Ring Solo or Make It a Group Tradition

Across Michigan, students can volunteer:

• Individually, for those who enjoy working independently
• With a friend, to make the shift more social and fun
• With family, turning the bell ringing into a meaningful holiday tradition
• With school groups, such as Key Club, NHS, Student Council, band, robotics teams, athletic teams, and more

Group shifts often bring extra energy — students are encouraged to sing, play instruments, or wear festive attire to help draw attention to the kettles. Many teams and clubs even turn it into a friendly competition to see who can inspire the most donations.

Making a Difference in Communities Across Michigan

Every hour spent bell-ringing helps fund year-round Salvation Army services in communities throughout Michigan, including:

• Food pantries and meal programs
• Homeless shelters and warming centers
• Utility and housing assistance
• Youth development programs
• Senior services and more

Most importantly, every dollar placed in a red kettle stays in the community where it was given. Students aren’t just earning service hours — they’re helping their neighbors, classmates, and community members in meaningful, lasting ways.

Only Seven Days Left to Give With Joy

With just seven bell-ringing days remaining, The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division encourages students statewide to step in, step up, and make a difference during the final stretch of the Red Kettle Campaign. Even one shift can spark a powerful ripple of hope.

To sign up as a bell ringer, visit www.RegisterToRing.com and choose a location near you. It’s flexible, meaningful, and one of the most memorable ways students can support their communities this holiday season.