Bell Ringers Net More Than $19,000 For Salvation Army

Oneida, TN (2011-12-27) Bell ringers for the local unit of the Salvation Army collected more than $19,000 in contributions over the holidays—the most ever amassed in a single season by the organization.

According to Salvation Army Committee Chairwoman Clara Terry and Bell Ringing Chairwoman Lily Stein, the Scott County unit of the Salvation Army collected $19154.47 in contributions during its 2011 Bell Ringing campaign. The donations, stated volunteers, were the most ever gathered in one year.

While a majority of the funds were raised through contributions made by individuals at the Salvation Army’s popular red kettles collection points outside local businesses, several major contributors also fortified the unit’s coffers. Persons and business making Angel sponsorship contributions ($1,000 or more) were: First Trust and Savings Bank and Bill and Tomilee Swain. The local unit also had two Guardian sponsorship donations ($500 or more), one from Mike and Marsha Swain and another from an anonymous contributor. Making contributions of $250 and earning Angel sponsorship designation were: Citizens First Bank, First National Bank, and McDonalds of Oneida.

While a host of individuals, businesses and organizations donated hundreds of manpower hours to staff collection kettles, several organizations contributed a full day or half of a day to the cause. Those supporters included: Ameriprise Financial, Mid County Fire Department, Landmark Christian Academy, Mill Branch Baptist Church, Takahata Precision, Plateau Electric, South Scott County Fire Department, Oneida Fire Department, Boy Scout Troop #93, Paint Rock Fire Department, TN Tech Center-Scott County, STAND, Oneida Special School District Board of Education and teachers from Oneida Elementary, Middle, and High Schools (Ann Sexton), Boy Scout Troop #504.

Red Kettle collection points locations included: Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Oneida, Walgreens, and Helenwood Foods. Businesses that permitted counter buckets in their stores included: McDonalds of Oneida, Walgreens, Big Orange Country Store, Elrey’s Mexican Restaurant, Shell, Phillips Drive-In, Lee’s Food Mart, and Plateau DrugCenter.

Terry and Stein expressed special appreciation to the 2011 “Ringing of the Bell” sponsors and volunteers, along with the local businesses that allowed collection points at their stores.

The Salvation Army is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected non-profits and our local unit continues to serve our needy in our community throughout the year. Money collected from the Ringing of the Bell is used for the voucher program (past due utility bills).

If you want to make a contribution, you don’t have to wait until the “Red Kettles” appear before you donate. Donations for our voucher and burnout programs are accepted all year long. If your company or business is interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2012 “Ringing of the Bell” campaign, please call the local Salvation Army Office at (423) 569-5938.

During the month of January, the local unit of Salvation Army will be moving from the ALQI offices to 475 Industrial Lane in Oneida. The office will be open on Mondays only. For further information please call (423) 569-5938.