HANCOCK – The Salvation Army is desperately in need of bell ringers throughout the Copper Country, according to Leonita Schweigert, Salvation Army corps administrator.

The holiday period between Nov. 27 and Dec. 24 is the only time of year the Salvation Army actively seeks monetary donations.

“We’re looking for bell ringers, for volunteers,” Schweigert said. “I’m just having a problem finding paid bell ringers.”

Because the Salvation Army relies on monetary donations to fund many of its functions, the organization needs as many volunteers as possible.

“We put the volunteers in first, they are the priority and then we fill in the spots where we don’t have anybody with paid bell ringers,” Schweigert said.

Schweigert said she has tried a number of avenues to recruit bell ringers, but has had little luck.

“I put two ads in the paper, and on the radio, and I got three,” said Schweigert. “So, we’re getting a couple here and there, but they start one day and then they quit, because it’s boring.”

Schweigert offers tips to volunteers on how to make the two-hour shifts fun, if not interesting.

“I tell these people: ‘wear costumes, sing, sing carols, dance. If you play a musical instrument, bring that,'” Schweigert said. “There’s always things that you can do to make the time go – be creative.”

Bell ringing shifts at all location are of two-hour duration from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. For more information or to volunteer, call the Salvation Army at 482-3420.

Locations where bell ringers are needed include:

Houghton;

Walmart, both doors

Econo Foods

Wallgreen Co.

Shopko

J.C. Penney

Hancock

Pat’s Foods

Calumet

Pat’s Foods