With the holiday season in full swing, the Salvation Army bell ringers are in full force with their red donation pots, including Jerel Jordan.
Jordan has been a bell ringer with the Salvation Army for two years, he said. But it is not the only thing he does.
“I also work in the Salvation Army thrift store. It is like a regular store with clothes and other things people need. I sign receipts and do whatever needs to be done,” he said.
Being a bell ringer, Jordan said, is a volunteer effort. He said he became a bell ringer after attending a service at the Salvation Army chapel.
“They were looking for bell ringers and I decided to volunteer,” he said.
Jordan makes his home in Columbus and is single. Friday, he was ringing the bell in front of Cafe on Main on the corner of Main and Fifth streets.
He said he participates in the bell ringing and working in the thrift store because he wants to.
“I like to help people and it gives me a good feeling, especially this time of year,” he said.
When does the Salvation Army bell ringers start their work?
We start around Thanksgiving and continue into December.
Is Cafe on Main the only area you set up the donation pot and ring the bell?
No, I work in different spots. We work more than one spot each day. We do not have one spot to work … I have also been to West Point. I was in West Point on Wednesday.
With the current economic condition, is the Salvation Army busier than normal?
Yes, it Is. We are trying to help people make it through this economy, there are many people going through tough times, so we try to help them as much as we can.
How do you like what you do?
It is fun and an adventure for me. Being here ringing the bell gives me a chance to get to know different people and talk to them about different things.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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