Students from GPS helped as Salvation Army bell ringers Saturday
For nearly five years, both GPS and McCallie Student Councils and GPS’s Partnership in Community organization have welcomed volunteers to ring bells for the Salvation Army and to help out before Christmas.
The first Saturday of December, the three councils can be found at the Signal Mountain Walmart, coaxing shoppers to contribute and fill up the red kettles for which the Salvation Army is known.
“Kimberly George of the Salvation Army loves the all blue schools ringing bells and raising red kettle monies to serve those in need at the holidays,” says GPS/McCallie Coordinate Director Beth Gaffney.
This year even a Middle School student came to help -- Savannah Friant and her parents. In addition, Frosty the Snowman (junior Alexis West) and The Gingerbread Man (junior Hollis Gaffney) rang bells and were a treat for the youngest shoppers. A warm puppy named Beau brought even more good cheer at the red kettles.
Senior Elisabeth Hale said that it was heartwarming to see strangers’ faces lighting up. “I had such a good experience that my sister and I are planning to go back and ring bells this weekend."
Junior Hannah Prescott said the experience made her think about all the times she has seen the bell-ringers around town and the importance of stopping to put money in the kettle. “It is such a small act, but it can do a lot of good,” she said.
Currently The Salvation Army is tallying the monies raised on Saturday, but the warmth of songs and good cheer were definitely making the holidays brighter for all who will benefit from the non-profit and also for those who visited the store on a particularly cold and rainy Saturday in December, said officials.
Students from GPS and McCallie helped as Salvation Army bell ringers Saturday