By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

After unexpected cold temperatures and snow hit the Hays area earlier this month, the Salvation Army of Ellis County is finally getting ready to kick off its annual bell-ringing campaign.

On average, the Ellis County campaign raises approximately $16,000 during the Red Kettle campaign, but the group is looking to rebound after raising only $11,000 last year.

“We’ve set up more locations this year,” said Ashley Allen, coordinator of the Ellis County Salvation Army. “We used to only ring at Walmart, but this year, we’ve added Cerv’s, Walgreens and Hobby Lobby.”

The kickoff event is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Walmart. 88 percent of the proceeds from the drive in Ellis County goes toward the chapter’s budget to help those in need.

“The money raised goes toward an emergency assistance fund, which can be used in a variety of ways,” Allen said. “It could be used to help people pay rent, utilities, water or anything else like that. This past week, we helped a gentleman replace a tire on his car so he could make it to his job out of town.”

The Salvation Army is looking for people to help ring bells at the various locations throughout Ellis County. Volunteers can visit registertoring.com or call the Salvation Army office at (785) 621-2794.

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