Local community and business leaders helped the Salvation Army kickoff the “Season of Giving” this morning at First Financial Bank in downtown Abilene.
Bell ringers are already out in the community, but United Supermarkets Store Director Tim Farrar made a symbolic first donation, “Our company prides itself on giving back to our community and helping those that are in need, and we feel like this is a great way to do that. And to kick off this kettle bell season of the Salvation Army we would like to make a contribution of $1,000.”
The Salvation Army raised $90,000 last year, and has set a goal of $125,000 for this year. Organizers are still looking for groups, families, and individuals to volunteer to ring the bells.
Mike Dunnahoo, owner of Star Dodge is encouraging his employees to participate in the effort. Dunnahoo says he hopes to write a large check at the end of the campaign, “My employees are going to be ringing the bell, and my partner Tracy and I have decided whatever our employees generate in money we will match.”
According to the Salvation Army, every hour of bell-ringing raises enough money to put food on the table for 13 people.