Salvation Army Bell Ringers Go Out Early

TYLER — The Salvation Army got an early start to its bell ringing season by sending bell ringers out Saturday to Broadway Square Mall, Chick-Fil-A, Brookshire’s, Super 1, Hobby Lobby, and McDonald’s. Salvation Army officials say holiday donations are already down and the Salvation Army must begin now raising funds which will help support it through 2014.

The funds that are raised during the holidays make up approximately 25% of the yearly budget for the Salvation Army. That budget goes towards funding the many programs that the agency offers such as rent and utility assistance, food pantry, youth outreach programs, lodging, drug and alcohol recovery, and other services. The needs in Tyler have continued to increase, so an additional $125,000 is needed to ensure that the agency is able to continue to meet all of the needs that it will be presented with next year, according to a Salvation Army news release.

The Salvation Army is pleading with community members to reach deep in their hearts and their pockets to ensure that the Salvation Army is able to help the many people who enter its doors each day, according to the news release. Agency officials say low donations equate to helping fewer people and the Salvation Army refuses to accept that fate. The Tyler community and surrounding areas have always come through in a dynamic way for the Salvation Army and the agency is confident that this year will be no different, according to the release. In addition, the online red kettle is available at http://www.onlineredkettle.org/tylertexascorps for anyone who would like to make a donation in that manner.