Bell ringer profile: Parents use bell ringing to teach kids about giving

For the past five Christmas seasons, Rick and Carrie Frith have used bell ringing as a powerful tool to teach their children about the value of giving back.

This year the family rang bells at the Cub grocery store in Blaine, where they blasted Christmas music, sang, and danced together.

“It’s important that our kids understand how to give back during this season,” Carrie said. “This time of year can be a lot about ourselves and what we want, but for my kids, I want them to understand that everybody can do something and give something – and bell ringing is one way we do that.”

Rick and Carrie have eight kids. Over the years, each child has gotten to join the family at the Red Kettles once they have been old enough. Currently, six of their kids ring bells, with two younger ones still coming up the ranks.  

One of Rick and Carrie’s favorite bell ringing memories happened when their son, Reed, got to ring for the very first time.

“He was the life of the party,” Carrie recalled. “He couldn’t stop moving, jumping, smiling, and laughing. He was so excited to be here.”

Rick and Carrie homeschool their kids. They first got the idea to ring bells at the Maplewood Salvation Army, where they used to attend a community group with other parents who also homeschool.

“I thought, ‘Wow, bell ringing is something my kids can do – we love singing songs and cheering people up,’” Carrie said. “My favorite part is seeing my kids get excited about how much encouragement and smiles they can bring to people’s faces. And they always get excited about finding out how much money we raised during our session.” 

If you have kids and want to take them bell ringing, the Friths have some good advice after a half-decade spent at the Red Kettles: Bring hot chocolate, and a speaker to play Christmas music.

“Hot chocolate keeps the kids warm, and music is the life of the party,” Carrie said with a laugh. 

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.