The Rockford Police Department is challenging the Rockford Fire Department to a Battle of the Bells for the second year running, on Friday, December 20, 2019, from 11 am – 1 pm at two Walmart locations in Rockford. While a friendly competition is in order, the purpose of the volunteer bell ringing is to raise funds for The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. Police and Fire personnel will be manning the retail and grocery doors at two Walmart locations – 3849 Northridge Dr. & 3902 W. Riverside Blvd. – in hopes of receiving the most donations in a two-hour period. 

Battle of the Bells is a great opportunity for Rockford’s fire and law enforcement to give back to the community and to help meet the needs of those less fortunate in our community. Major Mark Martsolf, Winnebago County Coordinator for The Salvation Army, states, “We love that the Police and Fire Departments are taking the time out to ring bells for us and a friendly competition between these two great entities demonstrates the great spirit of giving in our community.” 

Last year the Rockford Police Department won the competition …who will win this year?

About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 131 years in Winnebago County. Nationally, nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children 82 cents of every dollar. In Winnebago County, 87 cents on every dollar