The familiar sound of ringing bells returned to Baldwin Harbor on Dec. 13 as members of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club volunteered with the Salvation Army for their annual holiday bell-ringing fundraiser outside Stop & Shop.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rotary members stood beside the Salvation Army’s red kettles at the supermarket at 905 Atlantic Ave., greeting shoppers and encouraging donations that support local programs serving families in need during the holiday season. Volunteers rotated through one- to two-hour shifts throughout the day, ensuring a steady presence from morning through evening.
The bell-ringing effort has long been a staple of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club’s service calendar, offering members a direct way to support the Salvation Army’s work in the community. Rotary member Ken Dookram said the partnership has endured for many years because of its local impact.
“It’s just a way that the Rotary Club is able to help the Salvation Army at a local level, in our local community, realizing all the good things that the Salvation Army does,” Dookram said.
Dookram added that participation typically includes a small but committed group of volunteers. Throughout the day, approximately six to 10 Rotary members took part, staffing the kettle in rotating shifts to cover the full seven hours of bell-ringing.
This year’s effort exceeded last year’s fundraising total, with the club raising just over $700 in donations from shoppers.
“I am pleased to announce that the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club raised $709.75 for the Salvation Army during the bell-ringing,” said Rotary President Comfort Itoka. “My heartfelt gratitude to all of those members who made themselves available for this service project.”
Rotary Secretary Kerry Esmay emphasized that the club’s size does not limit its ability to make a difference.
“We may be a small club, but our hearts and impact are mighty,” Esmay said. “Every ring of the bell is another reminder that kindness matters.”
Funds raised through the Salvation Army’s annual bell-ringing campaign help support a range of local services, including food assistance, seasonal programs and holiday support for families in need. For Rotary members, the event also serves as a visible expression of the organization’s guiding principle of Service Above Self.
Throughout the day, volunteers greeted shoppers with holiday wishes as they entered and exited the store, creating moments of connection that extended beyond the donations themselves. For many participants, the simple act of ringing a bell and engaging the community remains one of the most meaningful ways to give back during the holiday season.
The Salvation Army Freeport Community Center is located at 66 Church St. and continues to provide year-round services to residents across the area.
