Bells of hope
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on November 26, 2014 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Jasmine Johnson, left, works as a Salvation Army bell ringer at Carlie C's grocery store on Monday as Pamela Sutton donates money to the cause. By Dec. 1, local residents can expect to see many more ringers stationed across Wayne County.
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"I just want to be happy and make sure my kids are happy." -- Aisha Smith, Salvation Army volunteer and beneficiary of the organization's kettle drive
Aisha Smith rattles a bell outside of a local Kmart.
She wishes the shoppers a merry Christmas and happy Thanksgiving -- encouraging them to put a dollar in the plastic red kettle to her left.
It might be her first year as a bell ringer, but Ms. Smith is on a mission.
She wants to be a part of making this Christmas special for her children.
So she enlisted the help of the Salvation Army -- an organization that has a history of assisting families like hers.
And should enough people drop dollars into kettles like hers -- by the end of the month, they will be located outside businesses across the county -- 200 families will see their wishes come true on Christmas morning.
Ms. Smith's wish is simple.
"I just want to be happy and make sure my kids are happy," she said.
Salvation Army bell ringers began manning posts outside of Carlie C's and Kmart Nov. 21.
"We start small," Wayne County Salvation Army Commander Capt. Kenny Igleheart said.
But by Dec. 1, the operation will have expanded to local Wal-Marts, the Harris Teeter on Wayne Memorial Drive and Sam's Club.
A cadre of volunteers will ensure the familiar sound of bells will be present this holiday season -- until the last one chimes Dec. 24 at 5 p.m.
But the campaign is not just a chance to raise money for families in need.
"It's an opportunity to connect with the community," Igleheart said.
Last year, local bell ringers raised $85,000 -- $5,000 shy of this year's goal.
And the money that is not spent on those 200 families in need of Christmas assistance will be spread across the county in 2015.
"It's not just a Christmas fundraiser," Igleheart said.
Other programs benefit from the bell ringers' work, too.
And so do the Salvation Army's two family stores and 16-room men's shelter.
Igleheart said the organization takes a holistic approach -- focusing on soup, soul and salvation.
"First we relieve the emergency need then check on their spiritual condition," he said, adding that the center offers worship services and Bible study.
Those who wish to start their own online kettle campaign can find information online at www.OnlineRedKettle.org
On the site, people can create their own virtual kettle and then share it with family, friends and co-workers through social media or e-mail.
"It's a great way to connect with our younger donors," Igleheart said. "They can challenge others through social media and get the word out."
With so many ways to give this year, the captain is reminded that it only takes a few dollars -- that if everybody who comes into contact with a bell ringer or online kettle donates a small amount, the collective impact would make a significant difference in the county throughout the year to come.
"Remember the Salvation Army is busy 11 months of the year, but this is our busiest time," he said. "So let's see how many lives can be impacted in the coming month."