Here we go, kicking off the 17th year of bell ringing for the Salvation Army of South Central Kansas. I have always said it doesn’t feel like Christmas until I have my bell in my hand. I can’t wait to get started. Plus, since the “Booth Bell”, TOP BELL RINGER competition started 2 years ago, mine has been the only name etched onto the bell. I’m going for the “3-peat” this year, and I know with your generosity, we can do it and do some great work for the Salvation Army.
It officially starts with the Red Kettle Kick-off, which this year will be held at ‘Gucci Dillon’s’ (Dillon’s At Central and Rock) on Tuesday, November 25th at 4:30 pm.
You can register to ring, too, as an individual, a company, a group of family and friends, a civic group, or a corporation.
First, did you know the Salvation Army was founded in my home country of England?
The Salvation Army was founded in **1865** by **William Booth**, a Methodist preacher, and his wife **Catherine Booth** in the slums of **East London**, England. Initially called the **Christian Mission**, the organization aimed to offer spiritual salvation and practical help to the poor, homeless, and marginalized. Booth’s vision was to bring the gospel to those overlooked by traditional churches, especially the urban poor and working class. He believed in combining **preaching** with **social services**, providing food, shelter, and clothing to those in need.
By **1878**, the mission adopted a more structured approach and became known as **The Salvation Army**, reflecting its military-style organization. Booth took the title of “General,” and his followers were given ranks such as “officers” and “soldiers.” They wore uniforms, used brass bands in their open-air meetings, and fought against social issues like **alcoholism**, **poverty**, and **prostitution**.
The Salvation Army faced opposition from both the public and other religious groups, but its commitment to helping the vulnerable and spreading the Christian message allowed it to grow rapidly. Over time, it expanded beyond Britain, becoming an international movement dedicated to both spiritual and material salvation.
(Salvation Army- Harwich, England)
Second, I am back to defend my title. In 2023, the Salvation Army of South Central Kansas created the “Holiday Chair Challenge”. I am proud to say, with your generosity, I won, and my name was the first ever to go on the trophy bell. Maybe, considering the history, we should call it “The Booth Bell” (kind of like the Stanley Cup). I’m going to work hard to make sure my name goes on it this year, for the 3rd year in a row.
Now, onto my bell-ringing shifts. I used to only ring at “Gucci Dillons” at Central and Rock. You asked if I could come to you, so last year, I expanded my reach a little and rang in Andover and at Wal-Mart on the East side and Dillons on the West side. I enjoyed it so much that I’m adding Derby Dillon’s Marketplace and Hobby Lobby on N. Greenwich to the mix this year.
SCHEDULE
11.13 – Hobby Lobby in Wichita (south door) @ 2425 N. Greenwich Rd. from 11am to 1pm
11.15 – Hobby Lobby in Wichita (south door) @ 2425 N. Greenwich Rd from 11am to 1pm
(on vacation from 11.17-11.24)
11.28 – Dillon’s in Andover at 225 E. Cloud Ave (east door) from 11am to 3pm
11.29 – Dillon’s in Wichita at 7707 E. Central Ave (middle door) from 1pm to 5pm
12.4 – Walmart in Valley Center at 5475 N. Meridian (east door) from 11am to 1pm
12.5 – Walmart in Valley Center at 5475 N. Meridian (east door) from 11am to 1pm
12.10 – Dillon’s in Wichita at 10222 W. 21st St. N (east door) from 11am to 3pm
12.17 – Dillon’s in Derby at 1624 N. Rock Rd (north door) from 1pm to 5pm
12. 18 – Dillon’s in Derby at 1624 N. Rock Rd (north door) from 11am to 3pm
