FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

General

• Ring the bell? What is that?
  For many years, CUTCO has sponsored a volunteer activity during the holiday (Christmas) season for the Salvation Army (SA). This activity consists of volunteers "ringing the bell" to collect money to support SA charity activities.
• Where do we ring?
  This has always been done at Tops Markets, 2401 West State Street in Olean.
• What is the ringing season?
  For 2023, we will be ringing from Nov 17th - Dec 23rd. This is done Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 8p.m.
• What does the volunteer do?
  Usually a volunteer will sign up for one-hour time slots. (Hopefully many one-hour slots.) During this time, the volunteer will ring a bell while standing next to the SA kettle and make sure that any donations made are put into the kettle.
• Can a non-company employee ring the bell?
  Sure, as long as the person(s) is ringing with an CUTCO/Vector/KA-BAR employee, the more the merrier.
• Can I sign up for more than one time slot?
  Of course! There are many time slots to cover and as much volunteer time as you can give is greatly appreciated. We must find volunteers to fill every spot on the calendar!
• Something has come up and I can't ring after I've signed up. What should I do?
  You need to find a replacement. Please try your best to find someone else to take your spot. Check with your friends, co-workers or your department supervisor. If you are having difficulty finding a replacement please contact Scott Kruse at ext. 5020.
• I'm at Tops but there is no kettle. What should I do?
  At the start of each day (10a.m. time slot) the Salvation Army will bring the kettle. If it's after 10:10 a.m. and no kettle is there, please call the Salvation Army (Captain Elisha Moretz at 716-701-7510 (cell)).
  
  If this occurs after the 10 a.m. time slot, and the person you are to replace is not there or there is no kettle, speak to someone at the Tops service desk. The kettle may be there.
• I've done my volunteer time and my replacement does not show up. What should I do?
  If you can stay, please keep ringing. Every hour we are there helps those that are less fortunate.
  
  If you cannot stay, please take the kettle to the Tops service desk.
  
  In either event, please contact Scott Kruse to report the occurrence.
• The Kettle is way too full. What should I do?
  Kettles are normally emptied or switched periodically throughout the day, but there are times that the kettles fill up before someone arrives. In this case, please call the Salvation Army, Captain Elisha Moretz at 716-701-7510 (cell), and he will send someone to empty/replace the kettle.

Web Site Specific

• What is this Web site for?
  This is a Web site that has been created to allow CUTCO/Vector/KA-BAR employees the ability to sign up to ring the bell for the Salvation Army.
• Why enter email or a phone number during volunteer signup?
  Volunteers are required to enter an email address and phone number.
  
  The email address is used to send a confirmation to the volunteer upon signup. It is also used to send a reminder to the volunteer prior to "ring" time.
  
  Phone number entry is very important and allows CUTCO support staff the ability to more quickly contact you if a problem or issue arises. ** There have been times due to weather that bell ringing has been cancelled.
• Can I be reminded so I don't forget what slots I signed up for?
  Absolutely. Each ringer must set up their preferences. Go under "My Account" and select "Update My Profile". There are two types of reminders you can be signed up for, which are emails and texts. Note you can sign up for just emails or just texts or both. Each method allows you to set the number of reminders you want. One week prior, One day prior and One hour prior. When setting up text reminders at this time we only support the following mobile carriers: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Tracfone and Boost Mobile.
• Once entered can I edit my volunteer information once entered into the web site?
  Yes, the "Ring the Bell" site has just been updated to support this function. It can be found on the "My Schedule Page". Use the Edit Contact info button.
• What if I sign up for a time slot by mistake? Can I undo what I did?
  You can modify committed timeslots on your schedule. If you signup for a timeslot and find you picked the wrong one by mistake, it can be removed. Go to the "My Schedule" page and you should notice a "remove" option next to the date. Click on it and the date should disappear.
  
  This feature is valid if done within 10 minutes of picking a timeslot or if the timeslot is more than 5 business days into the future.
  
  If you are unable to remove a timeslot on the site, please call the IT Helpdesk (ext 5333) or Scott Kruse (ext 5020) to have it updated.
• What if I sign up for a time slot as "Ring Alone" but later want a partner?
  You can modify committed timeslots on your schedule. In this case you will need to remove your commitment and re-signup for the timeslot. Sign into the site and go to the "My Schedule" page. Find the date you wish to change. Click on the "remove" after the date. Then re-sign-up by going to the calendar and choosing the date then click on the CONFIRM (allow another ringer) button. Your partner will also need to sign in under their sign on and choose the date.
  
  If you have any issues, please call the IT Helpdesk (ext 5333) or Scott Kruse (ext 5020) for assistance.
• Can I sign up for a time slot alone (with no other ringer)?
  Yes, when you sign up for a time slot choose the CONFIRM (ring alone) button. This will secure the time slot for just you.
• Can two people sign up for one time slot?
  Yes, when you sign up for a time slot choose the CONFIRM (allow another ringer) button. This will allow your partner to also sign up.
• I'm at the sign-in page and can't remember my password. How can I get in?
  On the sign-in page, there is a function which allows volunteers to request this information without having to call anyone.
  
  You will need to select your name in the drop down box (under Sign In) and click on the "click here" link. Once this is done an email will be sent to the email address that is on file for you. The email will contain your password.
• I only see November on the calendar. Can I sign up for next month?
  Yes! The "<" and ">" buttons can be used to go to the previous or next month. There are ringing hours in both November and December. Note: there are "Month", "Week", and "Day" buttons to limit how much data shows at one time. If you're viewing weeks or days, the "<" and ">" buttons will instead take you to the previous/next week or day as appropriate.

  
• What do the colors mean in the calendar? Which times can I sign up for?
  The calendar entries are color coded as follows:
  
  

  	This time has not yet been filled.
  	The person who signed up would like someone to ring with them.
  	This time is filled, and you cannot sign up for it.
  	You have signed up for this particular time.