Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Christmas is here, and with it comes bell ringing. Bell ringing, along with people wrapped up in jackets and scarves going into malls, is a common sight during December.

“I see bell ringers everywhere, usually outside of Hanes Mall. I think it’s great seeing people outside when it’s cold raising money,” senior Tyler Trinkle said.

Volunteers clad with mittens and hats stand outside places frequented by shoppers like Lowes Foods, Goodwill and other popular stores with bells and tripods with kettles hanging from them. Working with the Salvation Army, they ring their bells in an attempt to get people to donate money to those who are in need during the holiday season. Volunteers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that provides a family with two bags of groceries or shelter for someone.

“Bell ringing is good because volunteering our time helps to raise money so that we can give back to our community and those in need,” senior Shaurya Jamwal said.

Both National Honor Society and Key Club will be participating in bell ringing this year on multiple days and are helping bring students into the season of giving. Not only is bell ringing a good way to give back, but it’s a good way to connect with your peers during the frigid season and feel good about yourself.

“It’s fun to be doing service with your friends, even if it’s chilly. It’s a good bonding experience and also it’s great to see kids coming and dropping their change in. That always makes me smile,” senior Kiera Cornatzer said.

Bell ringing is an easy and fun way to help out people not as fortunate, and if you would like to sign up to help, you can visit the Salvation Army’s website to register at https://www.cervistech.com/acts/console.php?console_id=0214&console_type=event.