Bell Ringing for The Salvation Army

For as long as any active member of the Club remembers, we have braved the Indiana winters to ring the bell by a Red Kettle for The Salvation Army. By volunteering, we save the Army from having to pay someone at the kettle. Beginning at the long-gone K‑Mart department store near the corner of West 86th Street and Michigan Road, we have rang at Kroger, Marsh, Target and now at Walmart, many members list this service project as one the most memorable in their Kiwanis lives. The weather and stories of these nights vary across the spectrum of temperatures and generosity. 

One often told tale is of legendary member Mike Carroll, Indianapolis Civic leader who perished in a 1992 plane crash. Mike would ring in a suit coat, even during the bitterest nights. He claimed people walking into K-Mart would give more out of pity, if they saw you freezing!