BLESSING OF THE BELLS

HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT

Salvation Army to host Blessing of the Bells, looking for holiday bell ringers

The holiday season is upon us, and in addition to the spreading of holiday cheer, bells will be ringing for a good cause. The Salvation Army helps neighbors in need, of which there are many in Hays County. The organization has the annual Blessing of the Bells event upcoming, and they are also seeking volunteers for Kettle Season as well as donations.

In honor of Red Kettle season, the Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed the week of Nov. 4 to 8, Salvation Army Week.

“The Salvation Army has been serving the people of Hays County since 2007, physically, emotionally and spiritually,” the proclamation stated. “The Salvation Army has responded to every disaster in Hays County to assist affected residents. … The Salvation Army is present wherever the need is greatest, especially during times of crisis where vulnerable citizens are more at risk of becoming homeless, hungry, addicted or spiritually tired.”

The organization will also kick off the holiday season with the annual Blessing of the Bells, which will occur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 12 at 1346 Thorpe Lane Suite B. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend.

Robbin Mitchell, The Salvation Army San Marcos office coordinator, said the money raised goes to a lot of incredible programs that help Hays County residents in a variety of ways.

“We are in the business of providing social services to the Hays County community, offering resources for people in need, utility assistance, transportation assistance and clothing to get back to work,” Mitchell said. “We provide resources for the things that we can’t help with. We do a weekly food pantry. We do daily offerings of snack packs for the homeless community. Once a year, we do Angel Tree, where we collect names from families that need help with getting Christmas gifts for their children, and we provide those at no cost. Once a year at no charge, we offer a week-long summer camp for two different age groups — seven to 14 and then 15 to 18.”

The Kettle season runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23.

“We have stations at the Cabela’s, the one in Buda, all of the Walmarts — the one in San Marcos, Kyle and Buda, JC Penney’s in San Marcos, Sam’s Club in San Marcos,” Mitchell said. “We would ask volunteers to sign up for two hour shifts, starting at 8 a.m. all the way through 6 p.m.”

One can sign up to ring the bells at registertoring. com or by calling 512754-8541. Mitchell said there are two ways to donate, other than directly to the kettle. One can send a check to the physical location at 1346 Thorpe Lane Unit B or donate online at salvationarmytexas. org and designate it to go to the San Marcos location. All donations made in Hays County will help local residents in need.