Fundraiser Helps Curb Homelessness in Marshfield
A ring of the bell and a smile are all that’s needed for a Red Kettle volunteer to encourage busy shoppers to pause and toss in a little change. This holiday season, Red Kettle bell ringers are needed to fill shifts at five locations in Marshfield through Christmas Eve.
“The number of bell ringers has been down,” said Deb Steltenpohl, Director of Outreach Services at St. Vincent de Paul and co-coordinator of the local campaign.
It’s simple to sign up – go to RegisterToRing.com and narrow down the location by entering the city or zip code, then select a date and shift you would like to ring. Walmart, Walgreens, Shopko, Pick ‘n Save, and Festival Foods are bell ringing locations in Marshfield. For those without online access, they can call 715-451-0950 to speak with co-coordinator Barb Larson, North Central Community Action Program.
Once volunteers sign up, all they need to do is take over for the last bell ringer or visit the store’s service desk for the kettle and bell. “It’s always a good family activity and something different to experience,” said Steltenpohl. “You meet a lot of people doing it.”
She recalled the excitement of three small children who tossed in change on their way into the store. “When they came back out, they wanted to do it again!”
Last year, the $28,967 raised was vital for helping curb homelessness in the area by providing rental assistance for those experiencing or at risk of being without a home. Part of the funds are have also been used to help with transportation for those hospitalized unexpectedly.
“If we didn’t have the kettle campaign, I wouldn’t be able to help as many people as I do,” said Larson.
All funds raised in Marshfield stay in Marshfield. Counter kettles are located at various businesses in town including Baltus stores, Melody Gardens, Scotty’s Pizza & Chicken, and Arby’s.
