Local Celebs Compete for Salvation Army Bellringer Title

Charlie Baker invites donations as a Salvation Army holiday bell ringer in 2014 in Downtown Crossing. (Photo via AP)

Christmas is in four days. FOUR DAYS! So get your shopping done.

Of course, while you’re out shopping you’ll probably see some famous local celebrities out ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

This week Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty Walsh, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo are all scheduled to stand in Downtown Crossing and ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s red kettle fundraiser. Walsh holds the organization’s local Celebrity Bellringer title for raising the most money in 2014.

The Salvation Army’s 2015 red kettle bell ringing program is a major source of fundraising for the charitable organization’s mission. They’ve raised $2.1 million of their $3.4 million goal. Their campaign ends on Christmas Eve.

Other celebrity bell ringers this year include Fox 25 on-air talent, New England Revolution mascot Slyde, radio hosts from Greater Media Boston stations, and Boston Herald columnist Howie Carr.

“The money that will be raised for the Red Kettle Campaign from these precious gifts will provide toys to children in need, coats and warm meals to families, and important programming to help in our cities and towns. We’re blessed that Massachusetts residents are moved to give at this important time of year,” said Major David B. Davis, Divisional Commander of the Massachusetts Salvation Army in a statement.

While local celebrities are out ringing the bell, some kindhearted souls have donated jewelry instead of cash. Several individuals, some anonymous, have donated thousands in rings and earrings to the Salvation Army this Christmas season. Eleven different pieces of jewelry have been donated to the Salvation Army’s red kettle program this year, including a .52 carat diamond pendant appraised at $3,800.

The trend of anonymous people donating jewelry to the Salvation Army’s red kettle program became a tradition of sorts in 2014 when an anonymous woman placed her wedding and engagement rings in a kettle outside North Station. The jewelry at the time was estimated to be worth over $1,000.