Ringing the bell during the holidays

The Salvation Army’s red kettle began as a lobster pot in San Francisco in 1891, when Captain John Gantner wanted to feed 1,000 destitute people near Fisherman’s Wharf. Almost a decade later and 2,500 miles away, bell ringing began in 1900, when a teenage volunteer grew frustrated as Wall Street bankers ignored her red kettle. She visited a nearby Woolworth’s department store and purchased a small bell for 10 cents.

Today, the red kettle and bell ringing traditions of the Salvation Army are some of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season.

Georgetown resident Jay Warren is one of those volunteers, ringing the bell and encouraging donations for the red kettle program for almost a decade. He also works behind the scenes with the Salvation Army on the Wilco Advisory Council, planning and recruiting more volunteers.

Not content to sit on the sidelines, he volunteers with the chamber of commerce, the First Baptist Church and Preservation Georgetown as well.

He was born and raised in Virginia and moved from Houston to Georgetown in 1999.

“My family and I are truly blessed and want to give back,” Mr. Warren said. “Georgetown has been very good to us and I love giving back.”

When not working as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway and volunteering in the community, he enjoys anything with his wife Kitty, traveling, reading, working out and playing with two fur babies, Spike and Duke. The couple has a family including eight kids and a new grandbaby, bringing the total to 14.

To volunteer or make a donation to the Salvation Army, visit salvationarmyusa.org.