NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — It’s a staple of the holiday season every year.
But for Major Thomas Applin, ringing a bell for the Salvation Army has played a notable role in his life for the last 41 years.
Now, after more than four decades of service with the Salvation Army, Major Applin will hold a farewell kettle shift from 3-7 p.m. Friday at the Walmart on Brookpark Road in North Olmsted.
It’s a bell-ringing journey that Major Applin, Divisional Secretary of the greater Cleveland area, says started with his first official kettle campaign in Sidney, Ohio, with no staff or volunteers.
“I bundled up, played music and interacted with the local community while ringing the iconic bell all season,” he said. “Over the years, the kettles have changed a bit, but the spirit of those in the community has not. Folks still talk about how The Salvation Army was there for their loved ones serving in the military, or those we have helped with addiction, to those simply needing some help to make ends meet.”
The Salvation Army red kettles have been going since 1891 as an effort to raise money for those in need. As times have evolved, so has the fundraising campaign as red kettle donations are now accepted through Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo.
“I hope the red kettle and the bell will never stop ringing in our local communities,” he said. “Each ring of the bell represents the promise of a neighbor being served by the Salvation Army.”
If you’d like to volunteer for the Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign, CLICK HERE. Donations can be made online HERE.
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated article on Dec. 2, 2022.