Lieutenant Matt Cunningham said 25 kettles manned by volunteer bell ringers are ready to accept donations for people who need help all year around and especially during the holiday season.
"Just last month out of over 300 cases only 30 of them were people we've seen before," Cunningham said. "We're seeing massive numbers of first time help coming through our doors. They are people who had wonderful, solid jobs, cars and homes and with downsizing and the economy, they've lost it all and don't know where to turn. We like to be that shield of hope and continue doing the most good by people in our community."
Lieutenant Cunningham said Salvation Army donors can help 1600 'angels' on the 'Angel Tree', with each card on the tree representing an area child in need.
"That's a child whose parents came to us and signed them up," Cunningham said. "Each of those cards has their name, if it's a boy or girl, clothes sizes and a wish toy that they would like to have for Christmas. We have 1600 kids in our community who we need a Christmas for."
The Lieutenant said the trees are at the Mall, Longstreet Clinic, and a few area restaurants and donors simply take a card and by doing so adopt their 'angel' for Christmas.
Mary Faulkner is one of the volunteer bell ringers at the Mall and she and other co-workers from the Community Development Department will man the kettle station during the season.
"I feel great helping other people," she said. "That's what it's all about."
Lieutenant Cunningham said anyone wanting to volunteer as a Salvation Army bell ringer may call 770-534-7589.
Mary Faulkner is one of the volunteer bell ringers at the Mall
Lieutenant Cunningham said Salvation Army donors can help 1600
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/11/233912