COLUMBUS, Ohio — There's something about the sound of that Salvation Army bell that drives people to contribute coins or donate dollars. Melea Wachtman dropped a cash donation into a red kettle at a Columbus Kroger.
"Because there are so many people out there who need, and we have so much that we can give," Wachtman said.
For about the last decade, volunteer bell ringer Michael Dennis and his family have taken consecutive shifts on the day after Thanksgiving. For him, the sound of the bell represents resources for the less fortunate.
"I believe last year the Salvation Army provided 330,000 meals to those in need," Dennis said.
And there are a lot of people in need this year.
"There's always a great need, but this year in particular we've seen people come to us that thought they'd never need the Salvation Army before," Salvation Army Captain Jim Brennan said.
The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army's largest fundraiser. This year's goal for central Ohio is $500,000.
"This money helps provide food, housing. It impacts anti-human trafficking services, and of course the Christmas distribution of toys and Christmas red box food," Brennan said.
However, the Salvation Army of Central Ohio is facing a serious bell ringer shortage. It needs volunteers to fill nearly 12,000 hours of bell-ringing time.
"We're running short of volunteers this year at critical levels," Brennan said. "Today we have places that don't have anybody manning them."
It's ringers like Michael Dennis and his family who are building a tradition.
"I have two grandsons. They're going to come out and help me," Dennis said. "We hope that for generations this tradition will live on."
The Red Kettle Campaign runs through Dec. 24. You can sign up to be a volunteer bell ringer or to host a virtual red kettle by clicking here.