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Young bell ringers help launch Salvation Army driveBy ANDE YAKSTISTelegraph staff writerALTON — Jason Coleman stood huddled under an umbrella outside Alton Square shopping center Friday ringing the Salvation Army bell.“You get a warm feeling inside when you help someone who is poor at Christmas,” said the 16-year-old Alton High School junior, who thanked a shopper for dropping a handful of change in the traditional red kettle.Coleman and schoolmates Shanell Shepherd, Apryll Johnson and Shelly Somlar braved the cold rain and windat the mall entrance to ring the bell for the Salvation Army Tree of Lights.The four are members of the Alton High Minority Excellence group who volunteered to raise money for the Salvation Army to help homeless people at Christmas.While they rang the bells, a crowd gathered at the Salvation Army Community Center on Alby Street to turn on the Tree of Lights.Salvation Army Maj. Gary Van Hoesen pulled the switch and the tree glowed,“We’re asking the people in the community to help us reach the $195,000 goal for the Tree of Lights,” Salvation Army Board Chairman Burt Schneider told the gathering.Van Hoesen blew on his trombone, and the Salvation Army brass band swung into a rousing rendition of the traditional carol Joy To The World.Salvation Army volunteersDlanp Van Telegraph/RUSS SttITnen’ h P,0y® her horn Friday as heDoana Van Hoesen, sings over her shoulde campaign!* annual Sa,vation Army Tree of LJpfthen sang We Wish You a Merry Christinas.“The Christmas music gets you in the mood to help others who are in need this holiday season,” volunteer Geneva Walker .said.The campaign will continue through the holiday season.Back at Alton Square, thlt; three Alton High student* attracted shoppers. '• “We don’t mind standing ir the cold if we can help some one this Christmas,” said Som lar, 17, a senior.Debbie Gates of Godfrey pu' a dollar into the kettle. ™ ~
Newspaper Details
Alton Telegraph
Alton, Illinois, US
Sat, Nov 30, 1996
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
NA, 13 May 2021
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