“People often ask me how and why The Salvation Army started ringing those silver bells during the Christmas season to encourage donations,” said Major Adam Morales, San Bernardino Salvation Army Citadel Commander. “This is how it all began.
“The San Francisco Salvation Army’s Captain Joseph McFee wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood in 1891. But he needed money to make it happen. As a sailor in Liverpool, England, Captain McFee saw people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called ‘Simpson’s Pot’ to help people experiencing poverty. He decided this might work in California, too.”
In those days, people took the ferry between San Francisco and the East Bay. Captain McFee set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, put a sign saying, “Keep the Pot Boiling,” and raised enough money to serve Christmas dinners to people experiencing poverty.
By 1897, his idea had spread, and Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve people in need in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Citadels collecting money this way was the San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army, founded in 1888.
The Salvation Army begins ringing its bells this year on Friday, Nov. 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and continues until Christmas Eve.
Major Adam and Christine Morales invite you to volunteer to ring the silver bells for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign at RegisterToRing.com. The platform helps volunteers find the ideal time and place to help the hungry, homeless, and hopeless in our county.
"Register to Ring will help you find the perfect time and place to ring bells. If you have any questions or want to learn more, visit the site," Major Adam Morales, San Bernardino Citadel commander said. "Otherwise, get started by selecting one of the three options below."
Donations can be made online at SBCSVA.org or by 1 (800) SAL-ARMY. For local information, please call (909) 792-6868.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel
The Salvation Army is an evangelical branch of the Universal Christian Church that offers holistic programs for all individuals. One of the world’s largest charitable and international service organizations, the Salvation Army has proudly served San Bernardino and the Inland Empire since 1888, supporting those in need without discrimination. The San Bernardino Corps serves the communities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino.