Every year I make it my ambition to bell ring for the Salvation Army. The rewards are endless.

I get to work with a generous and pleasant public. I bring in donations to help those in need. I meet other volunteers and learn of their backgrounds. I receive a small stipend, and finally I receive from donors much free hot chocolate and coffee to help me persevere with the bell ringing when it is cold, snowy or raining.

Others are fond of working and volunteering for the Salvation Army. Professionals offer their time. People from all walks of life participate in the annual bell ringing occasion.

Many have friends and family helped by the Salvation Army, and bell ringing is a form of reciprocity.

Becoming a bell ringer is easy. One must apply online or in person at the local Salvation Army. Although finding volunteers in Norwich has been slow this season, there are countless volunteers nationally and globally to compensate.

People show their affinity for the bell in 131 countries. The location at which bell ringers work are called service areas and are designated by large chains such as Walmart or grocery stores, like Stop & Shop.

In 1891, Captain Joseph McFee of San Francisco developed a higher calling. His heart for the poor led him to facilitate the first bell-ringing season.

Since then, an energetic group make it our passion to collect enough money to help people in desperate need of assistance.

Victims of all kinds, namely flood, fire or poverty, look to the Salvation Army for deliverance and safety.

Lieutenant Cheryl McCollum with the Salvation Army in Norwich is looking forward to being promoted to captain this July. Her dedication to the bell ringing project and approximately 12 volunteers bring in almost $30,000 a year. She refers to the volunteers as the Salvation Army’s “mouthpiece.”

McCollum requires that all volunteers be “polite at the stand, courteous, and responsible.” It is possible to distinguish one bell ringer from the next, she said, “by their attitude and their understanding of the Salvation Army’s mission.”

What she values most about her job is “working with people.” She is anticipating a great year this season.

Lisa Shasha lives in Norwich.

Be an Angel is a regular feature in The Times. To submit, email times@theday.com.