The holidays are right around the corner and The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division needs volunteer bell ringers to staff their iconic Red Kettles across the islands throughout November and December. No experience required — just the heart to serve.

What You Need To Know

  • Whether it’s for as short as two hours, a few hours or a few days, volunteers are asked to stay by the Red Kettles, ring the red bell, spread holiday cheer, and encourage donations

  • Training is provided

  • The Salvation Army says volunteering at a kettle makes an impact — volunteers don’t just ring a bell, they’re changing lives

  • People who would like to volunteer can register to ring the bell for a meaningful cause

“With so many in Hawaii facing financial challenges, the Journey of the Red Kettle reminds us that the impact of these efforts goes far beyond the holiday season,” said TSA Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Divisional Director of Development Charmaine K. Hauanio-Kuewa in a news release.

“Every hour spent ringing a bell supports programs that touch lives all year long — whether it’s feeding families, offering shelter, or providing Christmas gifts to keiki and kūpuna in need. It’s more than just collecting donations, it’s about sharing hope, joy and aloha with our community every day,” Hauanio-Kuewa said.

Becoming a volunteer is simple and perfect for individuals, families, friends, and coworkers. Whether it’s for as short as two hours, a few hours or a few days, volunteers are asked to stay by the Red Kettles, ring the red bell, spread holiday cheer, and encourage donations. Training is provided.

The Salvation Army says volunteering at a kettle makes an impact — volunteers don’t just ring a bell, they’re changing lives.

Many volunteers return each year. One such person is Matthew Kailihou, a longtime volunteer who has rung the bell for The Salvation Army on Maui for the last 48 years.

A friend and former Advisory Board Member, Clarence Kamai, invited Kailihou in 1974 to ring the bell at the kettle and share the meaning of Christmas through music. Kamai played the guitar and Kailihou played the ukulele while raising funds during the holiday season.

“For me, the joy of ringing the bell is about sharing music and the spirit of Christmas with everyone who passes by,” said Kailihou. “Music has a way of bringing people together.”

People who would like to volunteer can register to ring the bell for a meaningful cause.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.