The Selma Times-Journal

Betty Ruth Goodman has two great loves in her life &045; the Good Lord and The Salvation Army.

The 60-year-old has been an Army volunteer since the age of four and she spent the Friday after Thanksgiving as a bell ringer for the Army’s famous red kettle holiday collection outside JCPenney at Selma Mall.

Friday was the first official day of the collection, Goodman said, adding the Army is still in need of volunteers to host area red kettles during the holiday season.

As mall patrons place donations in the kettle, Goodman responds, &8220;Thank you and God Bless you.&8221; She then wishes them a good day, but never without a smile. Goodman reported to Selma Mall at 7 a.m. and ended her day at 3 p.m. Goodman also donates her time to the Army’s Holiday Angel Tree Program. The program &045; currently located inside Selma Mall &045; provides new clothing or toys for children of needy families.

Since 1891, the Army’s red kettles have been an American staple. This year the Army invites volunteers to host a red kettle online. Prospective online bell ringers may register on the Web at www.onlineredkettle.org and may opt to host a personal or individual kettle, group kettles for civic groups and schools or business kettles.

Goodman says, &8220;Every little bit helps.&8221;