On a wintry November 17, the Salvation Army held its Red Kettle Time 2 Ring Kickoff at Gaines Jewelry for the second consecutive year. As a rare honor, Proprietor David Gaines and his daughter Selina were chosen to co-chair the event. “The Salvation Army approached me and asked if both my daughter and I would like to co-chair the kickoff,” says Gaines. “It’s a great honor to help celebrate the beginning of this season’s bell-ringing efforts.”
“Gaines Jewelry is in its fourth year of sponsoring the program,” states Salvation Army Development Director, Joy Peterman. “David is a longtime friend and it just made sense for him and Selina to be co-chairs.” For the first three years as a Time 2 Ring sponsor, Gaines Jewelry has offered watches, rings and other items as added incentive for volunteer bell-ringers. This year, David Gaines went big. “We are offering a chance to win a $2,000 Gaines Jewelry gift card,” explains Peterman. “Every volunteer who rings for two hours at one of our 28 Genesee County Red Kettle locations will be entered into a drawing to win the gift card.” Every two-hour shift completed will earn an additional chance – the more you ring, the better your chances. The drawing will be held December 26, right in the middle of the Christmas holiday. “Anyone 18 and older is eligible,” adds Peterman. “We need volunteers to hit this year’s goal of $650,000.” Each dollar dropped into a kettle goes right back into the community through Salvation Army programs. The money made during just two hours of volunteer time can often feed a family of four for a week.
“It’s a great honor to help celebrate the beginning of this season’s bell-ringing efforts.”
David Gaines
Started by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee in 1891 as a way to feed the poor citizens of San Francisco, the Salvation Army Red Kettle promotion has become synonymous with the Christmas Spirit of Giving. Who hasn’t given a dollar or two to the Red Kettle here and there? Even young children are eager to give whatever change they have. Each year, the Salvation Army serves more than 25 million people across America by providing meals, shelter, clothing and Christmas gifts to those in need. In Genesee County, the Salvation Army provides emergency assistance, food assistance, substance abuse rehabilitation, youth empowerment and more, and every dollar donated helps support their programs.
(L-R) Selina Gaines kirk, Salvation army major randy hellstrom, and david gaines
“My father was a big proponent of giving back to the community,” says Gaines, whose father passed five years ago, “and it just so happens that the kickoff happens on his birthday this year, so it became the perfect opportunity to pass the torch to the third generation. It will be a cool moment and I’m sure it would make him happy to share this honor with his granddaughter.”
This year, take (at least) two hours to ring the bell and help the Salvation Army in their mission of giving. After all, every unmanned Red Kettle represents a missed opportunity. Visit registertoring.com to choose a day, time, date and location that works best for you. You can also call Lydia at 810.600.4497 to sign up via phone. Remember, every two-hour shift is also a chance to win the Gaines Jewelry $2,000 gift card!
Grab a bell, put on your best Mr. or Mrs. Claus costume and get ringing! David Gaines can’t wait to get his hands on a bell this season. “Oh, yes!” he says. “I plan on it.”
