Groups ring Salvation Army bells

Stillwater, Oklahoma News Press
http://www.stillwater-newspress.com/local/local_story_348231926.html

The sound of bells and songs rang out across the parking lot of Wal-Mart on North Perkins Road, sounding through heavy winds Saturday afternoon.

Members of the Kiwanis Club and the Junior High Builder’s Club, a community service group, gathered in shifts throughout the day at both entrances to the store to ring bells and collect donations for the Salvation Army.

“It’s fun,” said junior high student Brooklin Jones. “You get to sing and ring a bell and give candy to little kids. Who wouldn’t want to?”

Jones and six other students sang festive songs like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause.”

Shoppers walking by couldn’t help cracking a smile or turning to look at the students. Some paused to drop loose change in the kettle or tuck a dollar inside, and others said “Merry Christmas” as they passed.

“When we sing, we make them more cheerful,” said Audrey Bilye, who was not a member of either club, but decided to come volunteer.

The Builder’s Club does a variety of community-service activities. The group made blankets for people in the hospital in October, and volunteered at a pancake festival several weeks ago. Last weekend, members of the group decorated the Renaissance Center. They hung wrapped gift boxes and presents, and covered virtually every door with festive decor for residents.

“It’s really fun to see their faces,” said Alissa Rate.

Lowell Barto, member of the Kiwanis Club and the Salvation Army Board, rang a bell with students at the far entrance to Wal-Mart on Saturday. He said Christmas season was the time the Salvation Army raised most of its money, and the majority of donations from the red collection kettles or mail requests.

Last week a group of bell ringers at Wal-Mart raised $700. Lowell said he hoped they would have as good of a turn out on Saturday.

Lowell said he has been ringing the bell for many years, long before he became a member of the Board.

He said last year the Kiwanis Club rang bells without the Builder’s Club, and it wasn’t as much fun because there was no singing.

“It’s heartfelt helping people who don’t have as much and whose Christmas is going to be affected by this economy,” Lowell said. “We just have fun doing it, but we also know we’re helping people who really have needs. It gives a real satisfaction.”