Ringers needed to reach goal

Several bells have fallen silent outside area stores and shopping malls. There is a shortage of Salvation Army volunteers.

We have 5,000 at this point, we hit 8,000 last year, but our goal is 10,000 volunteers,” said Major Charles Deitrick.

And without volunteers, Deitrick says he is afraid the Salvation Army will not meet its fundraising goal of more than $600,000.

“If we don't make the money, we're not going to be able to help as many families, not only at Christmas time but throughout the entire year,” he said.

Salvation Army officials say the frigid temperatures may have something to do with the lack of volunteers.

“One of the biggest things has been the weather,” Dietrick said. “Rochester people always step up to the plate to volunteer and to give, but it's been cold.”

But volunteers who braved Thursday’s bitter temperatures say there’s a way to beat the weather to raise money for people who can’t afford to get out of the cold.

“I was sure to dress warm today,” said Jonathan Miller, a bell ringer. “I got two pairs of socks on, and (we have) hand warmers so we're good to go.”

“We came out here just to raise money,” said Jon Ladiges. “It's freezing cold. People need the help. They need shelter."

Deitrick says he is confident the Rochester Community will pull through. He says the Salvation Army is about $40,000 short of what they raised at this time last year, but the Red Kettle Campaign still has three weeks to go.

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can call 987-9500 at extension 2313 or log on to the Salvation Army website by clicking here.