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By Katina Rankin
The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Rho Iota Zeta Chapter were recently spotted ringing bells in front of the familiar red Salvation Army kettle. For twenty years, members of the sorority have taken part in this cherished tradition in Simpson County, helping bring joy and support to those in need during the holiday season.
Members of the organization along with Zeta Youth, Zeta Amicae, and the Zeta Male Network volunteer their time to support families and individuals throughout the local community.
“Participation in the Kettle Bell Ringing Campaign is so important for many reasons. The monies raised help others in need, not just during the holiday season but throughout the year,” said Kettle Bell Zeta Team Leader Kamika Durr. “When you volunteer your time, acts of service not only help and support others, but you are also sowing seeds of selflessness that will one day reap rewards for yourself—because you never know when you may be on the receiving end of need or support.”
The history of the kettle and bell dates back more than a century. The kettle tradition began in 1891 when Captain Joseph McFee of San Francisco sought to provide a Christmas meal for the poor but lacked the necessary funds. He placed a brass urn at the ferry landing with a sign reading, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” His idea was a success, quickly raising the money needed for the Christmas dinner.
Around 1900, Cadet Amelia Kunkle in New York City added the now-familiar sound of the handbell, cheerfully greeting donors with “God Bless You” and “Merry Christmas.” The addition of the bell made the campaign more festive and drew attention from passersby. Volunteers soon became a staple of city sidewalks, ringing their bells in cold weather to encourage generosity.
That legacy continues today, with volunteers like the women of Rho Iota Zeta standing in front of local grocery stores to raise funds for Salvation Army programs.
Those programs provide year-round services from holiday assistance to disaster relief.
“As the Rho Iota Zeta Chapter continues its legacy of service, members reaffirm their commitment to uplifting those who may not be able to provide for themselves,” said Durr. “The kettle bell ringing effort reflects Zeta Phi Beta’s core values: Service, Scholarship, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood — and remains one of our most meaningful annual initiatives.”
Funds raised through the campaign provide essentials like food, shelter, and care, supporting individuals across the community, including residents in zip codes 39114 and 39111.
“Rho Iota Zeta expresses appreciation for the generosity shown by the Mendenhall community,” added Durr. “The kind spirits and giving hearts of those who stopped to donate remind us of the power of collective service and compassion during the holiday season.”
And for the past two decades, that same spirit has inspired the Zetas to make an impact — one ring of the bell at a time.
Rho Iota Zeta is led by Chapter President Takenya Singleton.
Photos Courtesy of Sandrena Durr
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