A special day for Salvation Army bell ringers to honor the memory of Bill Earle has been scheduled for Sat., Dec. 13.
Earle was well known as a State Representative and a Damariscotta Selectman, but he was also a devoted Salvation Army bell ringer, according to Greg Latimer, former Salvation Army Human Services Secretary for the Damariscotta Region.
“Bill put in more hours ringing the bell than any other volunteer,” Latimer said. “Then after those long shifts, he and Natalie House continued their volunteer work for the Salvation Army, helping to sort and deposit the money collected in the kettles.”
During the last holiday season, a group of Salvation Army bell ringers who dedicated their efforts to the memory of Earle, brought in a total of $1255 for Bill Earle Day.
After a tally that included donations in Earle’s memory received at later dates, the final total was $1645 that went to help local people in need, according to Natalie House, the Salvation Army volunteer who coordinates Bill Earle Day.
After Earle passed away in December of 2005, House organized the annual Bill Earle Day bell ringing effort.
Volunteers are sought to fill shifts on Dec. 13 at the Salvation Army kettle located at Waltz Pharmacy in Damariscotta. For those who wish to contribute, but are unavailable on Dec. 13, bell-ringing shifts dedicated to the memory of Bill Earle can also be scheduled.
To schedule a shift on Bill Earle Day, contact Natalie House at 563-8441. For all other shifts, contact Larry Townley at 563-5535. “We still need volunteers for many shifts, and this year brings a greater need than ever,” Townley said.
Funds raised during the Salvation Army kettle drive benefit area residents in need throughout the year. For further information about the Salvation Army, contact Ellie Hinds, Salvation Army Human Services Secretary for the Damariscotta Region, at 563-2247.
