Salvation Army 2014 campaign goes through Christmas Eve
Published 10:40 pm Tuesday, December 16, 2014
The ringing of the Salvation Army bells has become a familiar soundtrack to the holiday season, but volunteer Louise Boone adds her own personal flair.
Boone sings Christmas songs, smiles at shoppers and thanks those who give back to help people in need.
“I volunteered a couple of years ago [and this year] for the Salvation Army,” Boone said. “It’s something I love to do and singing is just a part of me.”
Boone could be found at Wal-Mart on Monday and Tuesday, making a joyful noise for all to hear as she sang different Christmas carols getting shoppers in the holiday sprit.
“I love to sing. I just love to sing,” Boone said. “I love the Lord very much. God’s been good to me, and he’s good all the time.”
Boone’s love was contagious as she welcomed people to the store, putting a smile on everyone’s face.
“I love meeting people, and I don’t meet any strangers,” Boone said.
It doesn’t matter if the weather is hot, freezing cold, windy or just right. Boone said she just enjoys raising money for those less fortunate than her.
“I love doing what I’m doing,” Boone said. “I’ve come through a lot of physical challenges, but it doesn’t stop me from coming and doing what I love to do.”
Major Steve Welch with the Salvation Army said that kettle donations are going well this year, despite losing one of their main locations at JC Penny.
“It goes about the same every year,” Welch said. “Cash-wise, we’re a few hundred dollars behind what we were last year at this time, but with checks that were put in the kettle, we’re actually ahead of last year.”
Volunteers like Boone have been making sure to get the word out about donations, and their hard work is paying off.
“The money per hour [is] 79 cents more an hour this year, so that’s good news,” Welch said. “We just don’t have as many hours out there because we lost Penny’s.”
Christmas may be drawing near, but there is still time to donate to the cause. Bell ringers will be out in front of stores until Christmas Eve, making sure to get all of the donations possible for those in need this holiday season.
“It’s going well, and we appreciate the generosity of the community,” Welch said. “It amazes me that people are so generous even in a community that is not as well to do as many other communities in the state.”