The Salvation Army bell ringers in 2008 experienced some of the most difficult weather conditions in recent years but managed to stand by the kettle for approximately 200 hours in front of Yellowfront Grocery and the Damariscotta Post Office and raise a total of $8779.28, according to Larry Townley, the volunteer’s coordinator of the kettle drive.
“The acts of generosity on the part of these volunteers and all those who contributed during this holiday season will help benefit those in need right here in Lincoln County throughout the coming year,” said Ellie Hinds, the Salvation Army Human Services Secretary for the Damariscotta Region.
A total of 118 individuals and organizations participated in the 2008 bell ringing, Townley said. Two service clubs the Damariscotta-Newcastle Lions Club and the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club were active at the bells. A total of 45 Rotarians did at least one kettle shift.
Each year more civic minded organizations ask for an opportunity to have employees, members or students ring the bell, Townley said. Employees come during the noon hour or on Saturdays. Students come after school or on Saturdays.
This year both Camden National Bank and The First were represented as well as Cheney Insurance, Village Optical, Lincoln Academy students, Mrs. Brown’s third grade South Bristol School class, and the Town of Damariscotta office staff.
Another effort that progresses each year is Bill Earle Day at the in-town kettle.
Until his untimely death, Damariscotta Selectman Bill Earle put in more hours at the kettle than any other person. Each year, in honor of his service, Earle’s various friends and the staff of Mia’s Shear Perfection take an entire day at the Post Office kettle in remembrance of his devotion to the Salvation Army. This year on Dec. 13 they participated with gusto and brought in a total of $1062 for Earle’s favorite cause, the Salvation Army.
Supporting the bell ringing efforts were Natalie House, who did the regular collections at the kettles; the staff of Camden National Bank, who counted and posted the funds received; Larry Townley, who recruited and scheduled the volunteers, media liaison volunteer Greg Latimer, and Ellie Hinds, the Salvation Army Human Services Secretary for the Damariscotta Region.
For more information on Salvation Army services, contact Ellie Hinds at 563-2247.
