From now through Christmas Eve, volunteers will be ringing the bell in front of familiar shopping places in the community — such as Walmart, Piggly Wiggly, Kroger, The Sock Shoppe, Big Lots, Bealls, Food Depot, Roses and, in Zebulon, Fresh Way — in an effort to raise money for local families.
“The Salvation Army in this community is blessed with volunteers,” said Maj. Jack Butler, the commanding officer of the Griffin-Spalding Salvation Army, adding that civic clubs, churches and schools have all agreed to ring the bell.
Last year, the local Salvation Army generated $160,000 during the kettle campaign, though the amount included two checks being donated in the amount of $40,000 each. This year, the goal is to raise $82,000 solely through the bell ringing, Butler said.
“Every dime counts this year,” he said. “We have to raise as much as we can this year to help families. Six hundred households signed up for assistance from the Salvation Army this season.”
All the funds generated will stay local and help purchase food, toys and other items. They’ll be used for Salvation Army programs such as the House of Hope or the Angel Trees, among others. Any funds left will be used for the Salvation Army’s winter relief program, said Butler.
“I know you are behind us,” he said to board members at the kick-off, “and I certainly appreciate it.”
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