Here we go, kicking off the 16th 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.

It officially starts with the Red Kettle Kick-off, which this year will be held at Naftzger Park on Nov. 1st from 4 to 6 p.m.

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.  Last year, 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 too.

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

Done for the year. Thanks to everyone who donated.