An Old Tradition Trying To Reach New Goals

AJ Hodgeman outside of the Oskaloosa Wal-Mart ringing the bell for the Salvation Army Wednesday evening

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The faint ringing sound as you walk around Oskaloosa is nearly as much a tradition these days as the sight of Christmas lights and tinsel. A smile and a thank you is the greeting you will receive as you pass by the familiar red kettles.

On a stop by Wal-Mart Wednesday evening, I ran into CRI’s very own AJ Hodgeman ringing the bell and greeting people as they stopped to shop.

Hodgeman who is the “Honorary Chairperson” for the Mahaska County Salvation Army was all smiles, even as one of the coldest nights yet to Oskaloosa was blowing down the parking lot.

“I just think it’s a really neat thing”, Hodgeman said of all the work the Salvation Army is doing in Mahaska County.

I asked Jerry Morrison of the Mahaska County Salvation Army how they were doing in reaching their goals. “As far as I know, as of right now, we’re at about $15,000”, of their goal of $32,500. “So we’ve got a good chance of succeeding”, Morrison said in regards to reaching their goal for the year. The only thing that might keep them from reaching that goal would be bad weather that prevents people from getting out to shop.

There are still many opportunities for some bell ringing this year, and the Mahaska County Salvation Army is looking for your help. Contact Jerry Morrison at 641-660-0173 to help schedule a time for your own opportunity.