Ring a bell for a good cause

The Salvation Army found a gold coin past year worth $1,200.

Until then, the largest single gift the Twin Cities chapter had ever received was $25,000.

“Silver bells, silver bells, it’s Christmas time in the city…ring a ling, hear them ring…”

“We’re competing for bragging rights of course, but everybody wins”, South bend mayor Pete Buttigieg said.

“We have clients that we serve all year long”, said Maj. “Salvation Army is here to help our community, but we can’t do it alone”, said Torres.

Four area banks and credit unions will participate in ringing bells from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. while competing to bring in the largest sum. But during this season of giving, there just aren’t as many volunteers signing up to help. The “Red Kettle Campaign” is by far and away the biggest fundraiser of the year for the charitable organization.

The Red Kettle effort for the Salvation Army’s Middletown Citadel includes 20 Red Kettle locations in Middletown, Monroe, Franklin, Springboro, Lebanon and part of Liberty Twp., according to Sebastian Leonardi, pastor/administrator. Our goal is to give them a little hope.

“It’s cool to see our children understand the concept of what these people are donating for instead of just thinking they’re just giving money”.

“Usually this is the week that people sort of kick into the Christmas mode”, Director for Toys for Tots Sunny Helstrom said.

“They do such good work for everybody”, he said. “They helped me when I was struggling so this is my way of paying it back”, said Jessica Cretcher with a bell in her hand. “Those of us who can, really have to support them, because they’re essential”.