No holiday season is complete without Salvation Army bell ringers. The volunteers assume their posts each November through Christmas Eve, faithfully ringing the iconic bell as they raise funds for the centuries-old organization.
Since its inception in 1865, the Salvation Army has grown to become one of the world’s largest volunteer organizations. Its founders sought to “bring salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs” through charity shops, homeless shelters, humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Assisting more than 25 million people a year in more than 130 countries, the Salvation Army relies on the generosity of others to raise the necessary funds to fulfill their missions. One of the organizations biggest fundraising pushes comes every November with their kettle campaign.
During the Christmas season volunteers can be found outside of businesses ringing bells to inspire passers-by to place donations of cash and checks inside the red kettle. But, often Salvation Army bell ringers take their job to the next level with impressive street performances that include choreographed bell ringing set to popular Christmas tunes.
One Salvation Army bell ringer in Arkansas decided to take things to the next level when he invited his son’s bluegrass band to join him. In a video posted to Facebook, a Randy and Christal Farris can be seen proudly ringing bells as the Stone County Ramblers bluegrass band perform at the red kettle in front of the Walmart in rural Mountain View, Arkansas (also known as the Folk Music Capital of the World). The band consisting of Gresham McMillon (bass ukulele), Titus Turner (mandolin), Aaron Farris (banjo), Turner Atwell (guitar) and Matt Clampit (guitar), proudly donned Santa hats as they picked a flawless and appropriate rendition of “Jingle Bells” that would make Flatt & Scruggs proud.
The band’s effort seemed to be paying off as numerous donors were filling the red kettle as they played. Check out Titus Turner and the Stone County Ramblers playing “Jingle Bells” for the Salvation Army in the video below.