CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — When you're out and about in Johnstown this month, you may hear a familiar noise. The Salvation Army of Johnstown's Red Kettle Campaign is in full swing, literally ringing in the holiday season.
Volunteers are ringing bells at almost every store in the city to collect donations, and this year, there's a new way to give back.
If you reach into your pockets and can't find any cash or spare change to donate, as long as you have your phone, you can still help out.
Bell ringers now have signs at their red kettles with QR codes you can scan with your phone, which will redirect you to donate through Google or Apple Pay.
"We’re hopeful that the Johnstown community will be able to donate to help others, you know, that need has no season, it has no end. And if the community can only put a dollar in, you’d be so surprised at how fast it adds up and how quickly it really comes together when we’re counting it and putting it back to the community," said Erin Smullen, one of the captains with the Johnstown Salvation Army.
The Johnstown Salvation Army has set a goal of raising $104,000 this year. Smullen says every dollar donated stays in Johnstown and goes toward funding programs the Salvation Army runs to help the community, like its soup kitchen and emergency food and utility services.
"I received help myself from the Salvation Army, so I thought it would be a good idea to help them raise funds to help someone else. At the time, it was everything for me. I love it, it gives me great joy to do something to give to others," said Erica Gxuluwe, a volunteer with the Salvation Army.
Smullen says on of the busiest spots for donations is Walmart. Volunteers are allowed to bell ring there after Thanksgiving, which was late this year.
"That's just because our corporate agreement is that. It's wonderful for Walmart to let us stand there, but it being so late, we kind of miss a week of that big income," said Smullen.
But bell ringers are still hopeful they'll reach their goal and that this new method of donating will help them get there.
"You never know when you might be in crisis and need help, and if we don't do this, then the help is not available," said Gxuluwe.
Bell ringers are out at over a dozen locations in Johnstown, including Walmart, Market Basket and Randy's Bi Lo, every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The campaign ends on Christmas Eve, and if you don't see any red kettles around to drop off a donation, you can always bring donations to the Johnstown Salvation Army at 576 Vine Street.
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