The down economy is hurting the Salvation Army's familiar bell ringing red kettle program as well.
To save money, the Roanoke Salvation Army outsourced most of its red kettle program for the first time.
An employment agency hired all the paid bell ringers this year.
The Salvation Army eliminated transportation for bell ringers. Many can still get to their kettles by taking the city bus, explained Major Samuel Van Denberg of Roanoke.
Maj. Van Denberg said the hope is all the cuts and outsourcing will save Roanoke's Salvation Army up to $50,000 annually.
"We save money from not paying for the [employee] background checks. I don't have to pay an extra person here coordinating where everybody goes," Van Denberg said.
Van Denberg said the number of hired bell ringers is down this year, as is the number of volunteers.
To date, Van Denberg said there are kettles at ten fewer locations compared to last year.
Fewer kettle locations means less income for the Salvation Army.
Less income could mean helping fewer families.
"As we've cut our budget," Van Denberg explained, "we're also seeing more people seeking services."
The number of families asking the Salvation Army for help is up 25 percent compared to last year, Van Denberg said.
Van Denberg said the Salvation Army is still looking to hire paid bell ringers, and is also still searching for volunteer bell ringers.
Van Denberg said if you're interested in volunteering or employment, call the Salvation Army's Roanoke office at (540) 343-5335, or link to the organization's Roanoke home page here .
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