The Resilient Bell

by Warren L. Maye

As the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approach, many of us recognize the familiar sound of bells ringing outside shopping centers, signaling the start of The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign. But have you ever wondered about the story behind those bells? Well, it’s been a special collaboration between the Army and Bevin Bells that’s been in motion for almost a century.

Nestled in East Hampton, Conn., which is often referred to as Belltown, Bevin Bros. is the last dedicated bell maker in the United States.

“The community has a rich history of bell-making,” says Cici Bevin, a sixth-generation family member and president of the company, founded in 1832. “I’m thrilled to carry on this tradition. Each bell we produce plays a vital role in the Kettle Campaign, serving as a symbol of hope and generosity for those in need.”

According to Bevin, the relationship with The Salvation Army started back in the 1920s, when her great-grandparents received a request to craft bells for the Kettle Campaign. They believed in the mission — helping communities in need — and they wanted to lend their craftsmanship to that cause. Fast-forward a century, and they are still the exclusive supplier of those bells for every Salvation Army kettle in the United States.

Bells for every purpose

The factory continues to produce more than 50 different sizes and styles of bells that are seen and heard at sporting events and worn by runners and skiers. They’re rung in nursing homes by residents needing assistance. Bevin bells adorn Christmas trees. They announce the arrival of ice cream and food trucks across the globe. They even act as a warning system in coal mines, Bevin says.

To Bevin, the company’s relationship with The Salvation Army is one of their proudest achievements. Beyond the business aspect, there are two things that help make the partnership so meaningful.

“First, the impact — every year, millions of dollars are raised to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and provide disaster relief,” she says. “Second, the bell itself has become a symbol of hope and goodwill. When we cast each bell in our foundry, we feel like we’re casting a bit of that hope, too.”

New bell for a new season

This year, Bevin and her team collaborated closely with The Salvation Army to create a special new bell design for the campaign. The journey began with brainstorming sessions, where they exchanged ideas about the bell’s elegance and appeal.

“Together, we explored various concepts,” she says, “weighing factors like aesthetics and cost to ensure we developed a product that could resonate with supporters and donors alike.”

Indeed, each bell that rings during the Kettle Campaign carries with it the spirit of generosity and the mission of support that The Salvation Army embodies.

Glimmers of hope

In May 2012, Bevin Bros. faced a crisis when the factory was devastated by a fire. Amid the ruins, the resilience of their iconic bells shone through: Tens of thousands of bells survived the blaze and provided a glimmer of hope in the wake of disaster. The company sold the salvaged bells, using proceeds to fund the rebuilding.

Then-company president Matthew Bevin remained steadfast, saying, “We will continue to put one foot in front of the next until we continue to make bells in Belltown again.”

The local community’s support was extraordinary. Their encouragement and patronage turned what could have been a tragic story into a national success. Connecticut’s Small Business Express Program stepped in with a generous contribution in matching grants. This instrumental funding allowed Bevin to invest in new machinery and equipment.

As they rebuilt, the company acknowledged its larger clients, including The Salvation Army. Matthew Bevin shared his dedication to ensuring the bells would once again ring during Christmas, stating, “It is our intent that when you hear the bells ringing on the street corners by the red kettles this Christmas, they will be Bevin bells.”

Five months later, Bevin Bros. not only restored their legacy but also became an inspiring example of how challenges can be transformed into opportunities. Today, when you hear those familiar chimes, remember that it’s not just a bell ringing — it’s a symbol of hope and a reminder of the good we can all do together.

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Learn more about Bevin Bells.