GREENFIELD — A holiday rivalry paid off big for Salvation Army Hancock County last week, when the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and Greenfield Police Department competed in a “ring off” to see who could raise the most money ringing bells at the famous red collection kettles.
The contest took place from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, when officers from both departments braved the elements and heavy winds to raise money for charity.
The sheriff’s department bested the police department by roughy $60, raising $918 compared to the police department’s $859, for a grand total of $1,778.
“For us to raise almost $2,000 in a three-hour time slot I think is pretty impressive,” said Robert Harris, road commander for the sheriff’s department.
The hometown competition has taken place outside the Greenfield Walmart for several years now.
“It’s a little friendly competition between our two departments, but the real winners are those who will benefit from the money raised,” said Deputy Chief Charles McMichael of the Greenfield Police Dept. “Each and every donation made to the Salvation Army helps people in our community in times of need.”
Both he and Harris said their respective departments had hoped to bring a few props like funny hats and inflatables to add to the fun on Friday, but high winds foiled that plan.
Instead, the deputies and officers relied on their charm to bring in the donations from customers entering and exiting the store.
With the sheriff’s deputies stationed at the north entrance and the police at the south entrance, both departments encouraged the public to give generously to support the local community. They also took the opportunity to interact with the public and pass out a few giveaways and candy canes.
“Some of the people we encounter in public only deal with us when we’re working, so this (bell ringing) gives us a good chance to interact with people and see the kids and just say ‘Hi, happy holidays,’ and foster positive relationships,” Harris said.
While McMichael admits the sheriff’s department has raised the most money over the past several years, he said the rivalry is all in good fun, and is a great way to support a local charity that helps folks close to home.
“It’s important for people to give when they can, so the Salvation Army can help out whenever the need arises,” he said, referencing the recent apartment fire that displaced 16 families at the Greenfield Crossing Apartments in October.
“That apartment fire is a prime example of what the Salvation Army does for Hancock County. Within hours of receiving the call, they were working to bring those people food and warm clothes and help them find temporary housing until they got in somewhere more permanent,” said McMichael.
“It’s those times when we least expect to need it that organizations like the Salvation Army are just a phone call away, and are able to provide that urgently needed service without even batting an eye,” he said. “Those situations could happen to any of us at any given moment, which is why supporting organizations like that are so important.”
Bell ringers are still needed to round out this year’s Red Kettle Campaign, said Jim Peters, a volunteer with Salvation Army Hancock County.
Volunteers can sign up for at least a one-hour shift outside Kroger or Walmart in Greenfield or Needler’s Fresh Market in New Palestine, spreading holiday cheer and seeking donations from passersby through Christmas Eve.
All money collected in Hancock County stays in Hancock County. About 70 percent of the donations are used to assist individuals and families in financial emergencies, 20 percent is used to fund local nursing home programs, children’s summer camps and school supplies distributions, and the remaining 10 percent covers operational costs.
To become a bell ringer, visit registertoring.com.
Donations may be dropped into any local Red Kettle or mailed to:
Salvation Army Hancock County
c/o Brandywine Community Church
1551 East New Road
Greenfield, IN 46140
