Bell ringer profile: Mike Hartel rings for all the right reasons

Mike Hartel, 73, is retired CenterPoint Energy meter installer who ring bells for all the right reasons. He is living proof that everyday people can make a positive impact on the lives of others. Sign up to ring.

Mike first started ringing 10 Christmas seasons ago at the Cub grocery store in St. Anthony. He’s been ringing in the same spot ever since, for a total of nearly 200 hours.

“I enjoy bell ringing because it does good for people,” Mike explained. “It’s something easy I can do that makes a little bit of a difference.”

A lot of difference, actually: Since 2016, Mike has raised an astounding $11,381. That’s enough money for The Salvation Army to provide a week’s worth of groceries for nearly 340 local families who don’t have enough food to eat.

Mike also enjoys ringing for the human connections he makes.

“I meet people who say they donate because they once were helped by The Salvation Army – and that is a good feeling,” Mike said. “Other people stop by my kettle to thank me for volunteering and ringing, and I also enjoy it when I see kids donating. Those things make me feel really good, too.”

He first started ringing for the simplest of reasons: Because he was able.

“I saw people at the kettles and thought, Hey, I could do that,” Mike recalled. “CenterPoint Energy had given me some warm clothes when I retired, so I figured I could do something good with them.”

Mike admits that he sometimes has doubts about ringing on days when it is extra cold outside. But then he reminds himself that his small sacrifice will be a huge help to others.

“I think about the good the money is going to do, so I ring anyway,” he said. “At the end of my shift, I’m always glad that I did.”

Mike encourages everyone to join him in volunteering at the Red Kettles.

“It’s an easy job, the bell isn’t too heavy, and two hours goes by pretty quick,” he joked. “The Salvation Army is a great organization that does a lot of good work. People who haven’t rang the bell should give it a try.”

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.