OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - The Salvation Army is implementing new safety protocols at red kettle locations as the coronavirus pandemic lingers on.
The new protocols include:
- Bell ringers will be provided with masks and instructed to follow state/local safety protocols
- All kettle equipment will be cleaned prior to use in accordance with guidelines
- Bell ringers will be trained to maintain social distancing
- Bell ringers will not have any physical contact with any donations or individuals
- Before reporting for their shifts, bell ringers will be provided a training video that shows how to safely perform their duties and engage with the public in a COVID environment
- Kettles will be enabled with Apple Pay and Google Pay technology in order to provide donors with an additional contactless form of donation.
The Salvation Army says it is expecting a 155 percent increase in nationwide demand for holiday services this Christmas season.
"We are able to help struggling individuals, families, and communities thanks to our Red Kettle corporate partners. The funds we raise from kettles go directly into services like food, housing, utility assistance, and more. The need has always been great for those services—but this year, it’s greater than ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic," the Salvation Army wrote in a release.
The Salvation Army anticipates having over 130 red kettle locations around Omaha and Council Bluffs. Those interested in ringing a bell can visit registertoring.com.
The kettles are expected to be deployed around the area about three weeks from now.
Those who usually would ring a bell in person but would prefer to do it virtually this year can visit registertoring.com and click on the "I'm A Virtual Ringer" tab to start the process of setting up an online fundraiser.
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