Salvation Army bell ringers bring joy to customers with bells, songs

Holiday shoppers walking into Walmart in Cape Girardeau hear not only bells ringing but also singing.

Salvation Army bell ringer Michael Hill, 50, is new to Cape Girardeau. Hill moved from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau in July. He works part time ringing bells for the Salvation Army Kettle Drive and has become known around town as "The Singer."

Christmas shopping can be a daunting task. So as shoppers walk into Walmart, Hill brings a smile to their faces by singing Christmas favorites such as "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Jingle Bells."

"Singing carols makes my day go by easier and lifts the spirits of the people coming into the store," Hill said. "If someone seems down or has a frown on their face, I say something to make them laugh or to make them smile."

The Salvation Army's Kettle Drive employs around 40 part-time workers and has around 100 volunteers in Cape Girardeau, Perryville and Jackson to help ring bells for donations.

Assistant director Maj. Beth Stillwell says that the donations help maintain the level of giving the Salvation Army requires each year.

"This year our holiday goal is to make approximately $335,000 in donations, with $150,000 of that coming from the bell ringers' kettles and the rest from private donors." Stillwell said. "We hire bell ringers so the unemployed have something to fill the gap when they're laid off, or for a young person to gain job experience."

Caleb McIntosh, 23, who is a first-year volunteer with the Salvation Army Kettle Drive, says that for him the job is more than just rewarding.

"I definitely think that the cause is worthy and a person donating is a good thing, but I also want to bring some joy to shoppers with singing." McIntosh said.

McIntosh has been singing and writing songs since he was 14. Now a student at Southeast Missouri State University and a new husband, he hopes to continue his talent through Christian ministry and mission opportunities.

Michael Hill sings holiday carols to shoppers as the enter and exit Walmart in Cape Girardeau Dec. 19. (Laura Simon)

"I've seen other bell ringers singing, and I just thought that it was something I would enjoy doing too." McIntosh said. "Music is my passion, and I want to practice it and keep singing whenever the opportunity comes."

For Hill, singing and ringing bells for the Salvation Army has become a Christmas tradition. Little did he know he was inspiring others around him to bring joy to others with the gift of song.

"I've been ringing bells for about six years now, and I couldn't imagine Christmas coming without me doing this. I do it because I'm a people person, and to put people in the holiday spirit," Hill said.

Interested applicants for the 2012 Salvation Army Kettle Drive can apply online at www.salvationarmy.com or by stop by the Salvation Army at 701 Good Hope St. in Cape Girardeau.