Red aprons donned and bells in hand, 47 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) employees recently volunteered to support the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.

BCBSNE employees volunteer annually for the campaign, which helps fund Salvation Army programs year-round.

Some volunteers, such as Cara Jacobson, BCBSNE product manager, are seasoned bell ringing experts. Jacobson has seven years of Red Kettle Campaign experience under her belt.

“It’s the time of year to give back, and I want to make sure I’m here to do that,” Jacobson said. “I like spending time with my coworkers and the team building aspect of it as well.”

Others, such as Alice Hughes, BCBSNE customer service representative, were first time bell ringers for 2019.

“This is a dream come true for me because I always donate to the bell ringers every year,” Hughes said. “The experience has been really good.”

Hughes and her coworker, Trinity Burson, wore festive sweaters and pants for their two-hour bell ringing shift.

“It was a calling for us to be holly and jolly,” Hughes said.

Kathy Nellor, BCBSNE health transformation leader, coordinated the volunteer day with the Salvation Army. Overall, Nellor said bell ringing provides BCBSNE with an opportunity to show support for the community.

“We are a Nebraska-based company and here in Omaha, so it’s important for us to give back to the community where we live, work and play,” Nellor said. “It also gives our employees an opportunity to give and when you give, you feel good. It’s an important part of well being.”

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