Kettles

[Gwen'sMom]

I noticed in our bulletin that training for manning the kettles is going to begin soon. I have always thought what it would be like to do this even before I started attending the SA. Even though I am not a member yet do you think they would let me let me do this? What kind of training is provided? How long generally is a kettle shift?

[sreno7]

They will love and adore you forever if you volunteer to do kettles!!!!!!
They will have an orientation meeting at the beginning for all volunteers most likely or will hand out a letter with instructions. I have done kettles for many many years. Mostly it is a matter of whether you are inside or outside, remember to stand not sit (unless you have a medical problem) if you are inside you will probably not have bells (bummer, no bells at all in our community I think) and maybe a dress code, remember to smile and there may be a card you give people who donate.
Do you know if your kettle funds are staying in the community or being used for Christmas? Here sometimes the money doesn't even stay in the community and this year it isn't being used for hampers.
Red Shield money stays in the community.
I can't believe it is that time of year again already.
Dress warmly even if you are in a mall.

[JoshuaCh1v9]

We don't have kettles here, we have collecting tins instead.

[Gwen'sMom]

They will love and adore you forever if you volunteer to do kettles!!!!!!
They will have an orientation meeting at the beginning for all volunteers most likely or will hand out a letter with instructions. I have done kettles for many many years. Mostly it is a matter of whether you are inside or outside, remember to stand not sit (unless you have a medical problem) if you are inside you will probably not have bells (bummer, no bells at all in our community I think) and maybe a dress code, remember to smile and there may be a card you give people who donate.
Do you know if your kettle funds are staying in the community or being used for Christmas? Here sometimes the money doesn't even stay in the community and this year it isn't being used for hampers.
Red Shield money stays in the community.
I can't believe it is that time of year again already.
Dress warmly even if you are in a mall.
I am really not sure where the money is going, I will check it out. Thanks for the tips.

[Gwen'sMom]

We don't have kettles here, we have collecting tins instead.
Actually we have these big clear bubbles hanging on a post.

[JoshuaCh1v9]

I am really not sure where the money is going, I will check it out. Thanks for the tips.

In this country, the money raised from caroling goes to fund the Army at local level.

[catlover]

I noticed in our bulletin that training for manning the kettles is going to begin soon. I have always thought what it would be like to do this even before I started attending the SA. Even though I am not a member yet do you think they would let me let me do this? What kind of training is provided? How long generally is a kettle shift?

A kettle shift is two hours and they don't care if you are a member. I was not trained. Make sure you have warm foot wear, you would be surprised on how cold standing on concrete is. Also, bring tissues because your nose WILL run, and of course chap stick and hand warmers.

[sreno7]

OK you are right we don't have kettles we have bubbles, LOL. The kettles I have seen on movies anyone can reach in and take money out. Bubbles are now locked closed and locked to the stand. Years ago when I started doing "kettles" (would sound funny doing bubbles) we could take the kettle off the stand and go to the washroom, but not now. Now you have to get someone to watch it lest someone run away with a big heavy metal stand with a bubble attached. (sadly it has happened)

[Gwen'sMom]

A kettle shift is two hours and they don't care if you are a member. I was not trained. Make sure you have warm foot wear, you would be surprised on how cold standing on concrete is. Also, bring tissues because your nose WILL run, and of course chap stick and hand warmers.
I am going to knit myself a pair of handwarmers! Thanks for all the tips. Do you think they would loan me a sweater with the SA logo on it since I don't have a uniform?

[sreno7]

NO they probably wont as many if not most kettle volunteers are not even Salavation Army folk, just good people who are willing to volunteer. Here they give you an apron now I think.
Our kettle shifts are three and a half hours. I hated it last year when they put me outside the same door that all the mall staff went out to smoke at.