Bell ringer profile: El Schefers aims to raise $1 million

Elmer “El” Schefers of Buffalo, Minn., is an everyday Salvation Army supporter who has reached an astounding milestone: more than $900,000 raised for The Salvation Army.

If this Christmas season goes well for him, he could top $1 million.

El’s efforts began in late 2005 when he discovered that his former employer would donate $500 to any charity for which he volunteered at least 40 hours. El wanted to capitalize on the opportunity before the year ended, but he couldn’t find a charity with 40 hours of volunteering available in such a short timeframe.

“Then I called The Salvation Army about bell ringing – they said, ‘We can solve that problem for you,’” El said with a chuckle, recalling the moment he learned there are thousands of hours of bell ringing available in the Twin Cities during the holidays. (Sign up to ring.)

Since then, the 84-year-old has been ringing bells 20 to 40 hours every Christmas season. Before he moved to Buffalo a few years ago, his favorite place to ring was Mills Fleet Farm in Brooklyn Park, where he would set up an ice fishing display next to his kettle (pictured). When kids walked by, he gave them a fishing pole to “catch” candy in a five-gallon bucket. 

Of course, El has not raised $900,000 just by bell ringing. That accomplishment would otherwise require about 9,000 hours of standing at a Red Kettle, given that bell ringers typically raise about $100 per hour.

Instead, El – a retired State Farm Insurance agent – has raised the bulk of that money by asking others for donations. For many years he made it an annual tradition to send letters to his former clients, asking them to donate to The Salvation Army.  

“Before I retired, I’d get donations from about 100 of my clients every Christmas,” said El, who has also given significant donations himself. “Now that I’m retired, I still get donations from former clients. I personally thank everyone who donates – whether they give $5 or $250.”

This Christmas, El plans to raise additional money by creating a flyer and inserting it into his local newspaper, encouraging members of his community to donate to The Salvation Army or volunteer at the Red Kettles. He also plans to ring bells about 20 hours himself and use his own money to match donations made to Red Kettles at Coborn's, Cub and Walmart stores in the Buffalo area Dec. 13-24. 

One of the main reasons El supports The Salvation Army is because the money he raises stays in the community to spread joy and provide food, shelter and care for local people in need.

“This is my community, and The Salvation Army is active in my community,” El said. “I want to help people right here.”

2025 Red Kettle season

This holiday season, give joy to families in need by ringing bells for The Salvation Army. Sign up to ring.

Your time at a Red Kettle will be a huge help for local families who need food, shelter and care. Bell ringers typically raise about $100 per hour – enough to feed three families for week, or help save a family from eviction.   

Bell ringing is fun and easy, with hundreds of kettle locations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Spread more joy by recruiting your friends, family and coworkers to join you.

Thousands of volunteer bell ringers are needed. Sign up now and help The Salvation Army provide a merry Christmas for people in need.

This Christmas season, support The Salvation Army by giving a donation or ringing bells at a Red Kettle. Your generosity will bring joy to local families in need.