![]() ![]() ![]() Since then, the bell and red kettles have become synonymous with The Salvation Army. Prior to that, in 1891, the first donations were sought through the kettles, but it was in 1900 that a young volunteer with the organization had the idea of using a bell to draw people to the kettles. The tradition of the bell ringers goes back to 1900, according to The Salvation Army history. “It’s a good reminder that we are here, and it gives people a sense of hope to know that we are here.” “It’s a Christmas tradition,” said Saul Doria, who has led the local Salvation Army office with his wife since 2019. Majors Saul and Jessica Doria, the husband and wife team who lead The Salvation Army, El Centro office, say the bell ringers are an important tradition for The Salvation Army. They are a very public reminder that The Salvation Army is a part of the community, is here to help, and is providing essential services to thousands in need from the homeless to the elderly-really anyone in need of assistance. “It means so much to me to see the people in the community and to know that I can do something to help them,” said Hernandez, interviewed on one recent day at her post, wearing her Salvation Army apron, holding the bell, and sitting by the familiar red kettle she hopes each day will be filled with donations to help those in need.įor Majors Saul and Jessica Doria, the husband-and-wife team who run The Salvation Army, El Centro office, which serves the entire Imperial Valley, the bell ringers are an important tradition. SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGER FULLLast year, only a few storefronts allowed the bell ringers however, this year, the effort has returned to full operation, which is important to The Salvation Army’s mission of serving the community. This year, as pandemic restrictions have eased, Hernandez-along with The Salvation Army’s other bell ringers in the Imperial Valley-are back at locations throughout the county. Hernandez is a bell ringer for The Salvation Army-has been for the last ten years.Įvery day, Monday through Friday, no matter how warm or cold, she takes her spot in front of her city’s Vons and begins the work that she believes brings hope to all those greeted with the sound of her bell as they pass by. Hernandez, who said her faith guides her service as a bell ringer, is stationed at the El Centro Vons Monday through Friday throughout the holiday season.įor Maria Hernandez, the holiday season is a special time for many reasons, but there is one tradition that makes this time of year even more meaningful for the 94-year-old El Centro resident. Major Jessica Doria (right) of The Salvation Army, El Centro office, shares a moment with Maria Hernandez, 94, of El Centro, who has been a bell ringer for The Salvation Army for 10 years. ![]()
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