Salvation Army challenges high schools

The Salvation Army says a red kettle without a bell ringer is nothing more than a Christmas ornament. That's why The Salvation Army-Fox Cities put out a challenge to six area high schools to see which could have the most bell ringers.

"It’s always nice to actually have somebody here because a lot of the time we're walking through and there's nobody putting in money because there's nobody here," said Nicole Brumm from Kimberly High School.

On Black Friday, the Salvation Army put out a challenge to Appleton's three public high schools along with Xavier, Kimberly and Little Chute to make sure it was a big day for donations. A Salvation Army spokesman said 86 percent of all shifts were covered Friday, far above the average. More than 230 shifts of bell ringers were scheduled in the Fox Valley for the busiest shopping day of the year.

"I think we're doing good,” said Paige Roover from Xavier High School. “I think we're doing really good."

The winning school will get to keep a gold trophy in the shape of a bell until next year. Students working the kettles say it's a great way to have bragging rights over the other schools.

"I guess our school is extremely competitive in that, especially for how our sports are and everything,” said Brumm. “So it's definitely something that would probably get people that don't normally do volunteer work to come out and do."

"I thought it'd be really fun and I thought it was a really good idea to try to raise money for the Salvation Army," said Roover.

The competitors say their task is simple.

"Just ring bells and say hi to all the customers and be cheerful," said Meghan Murray from Appleton West High School.

And a simple greeting can urge shoppers to put more money in the kettles.