Salvation Army?

Does anyone know when the Salvation Army started using the bell ringers during the Christmas season. I am writing a story and would like to be historically accurate.

Salvation Army?
In 1891, Captain Joseph McFee wanted to help the poor people in San Francisco, especially for the coming Christmas season, but he didn't know where to get funding for his project. He remembered, during his earlier days as a sailor in Liverpool, England, seeing a large kettle called "Simpson's Pot" where passengers of boats that docked at Stage Landing tossed coins to help the poor.



The following day captain McFee placed a pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing. Beside the pot was a sign that read "Keep the Pot Boiling". He was able to collect enough donations to have a Christmas dinner for the poor people.



Captain McFee's idea spread and in 1897, a nationwide effort was able to fund 150,000 Christmas dinners for the poor.
Reply:call them and ask
Reply:the Salvation Army bell ringers first hit the streets in search of donations in 1891.



The practice started in San Francisco, Dean Sackett, the chairman of the Salvation Army board, told listeners.



By 1895, there were reports of more than 30 people along the West Coast who raised money for the Salvation Army by ringing bells and asking people to toss their change into kettles, Mr. Sackett said.