Thanks to the Bell Ringers for 2006!

Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 050.jpg (72582 bytes) Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 060.jpg (77883 bytes) Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 067.jpg (78627 bytes)
Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 068.jpg (86316 bytes) Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 080.jpg (79132 bytes) Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 084.jpg (79704 bytes)
Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 085.jpg (82463 bytes) Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 088.jpg (73920 bytes) Class Reunion 06 - Flyover- 1-30-07 089.jpg (71966 bytes)

 

Appreciation/Awards Breakfast
March 8, 2005

The Salvation Army Appreciation/Awards Breakfast was held March 8, 2005 at the Elks Club on Grover Cleveland Blvd. to thank everyone who participated in the holiday kettle drive. Thanks to Dee and Jim Green for the following photos. (Click to enlarge)

 

Bell Ringer Bkfst-05 011.jpg (49870 bytes)

Some of the approximately 35 FUMC Kettle Drive attendees at the Salvation Army Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast March 8, 2005. From left, Ted and Marie Archambault, Nina and Betty Farewell, CPT Chris Farrell of  theSalvation Army, Dee Green, Bill Gilbert, Jeanette Cole (with award for FUMC's leadership role in Angel Tree program), Barbara Gilbert, John Cole, Annie and Art Carl, Sue Kuntz, Charles McCreery, Ray and MaryLou Fisher, and Molly McCreery. 

 

Bell Ringer Bkfst-05 007.jpg (52123 bytes)

From left - Bill and Barbara Gilbert, Marie and Ted Archambault, and Peggy Benson representing FUMC at the Salvation Army Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on March 8, 2005.
 

 

BELLRINGER 008.jpg (15650 bytes)

CPT Chris Farrell presenting award to Jeanette Cole for FUMC's leadership in the Christmas Angel Tree program.  Jeanette accepted on behalf of Betty Gunderson, Angel Tree Chairperson, who was unable to attend. 

 

 

bellringer 009.jpg (18075 bytes)


CPT Chris Farrell presenting to Dee Green, Chairperson,  Second Place Award  to FUMC for hours devoted to the Christmas Kettle Drive . 

 

Looking for a few good ringers

"The problem is," a Salvation Army official says, "we can't get people to stand by the kettle."

By COLLEEN JENKINS, Times Staff Writer
Published December 18, 2003

The cheerful ding-ding-ding of Salvation Army bells - that familiar, seasonal sound promising Christmas is near - isn't filling the air as much as usual this year.

No, the Grinch hasn't stolen the jingle bells. For some reason, fewer people have volunteered to take a turn ringing those little bells this holiday season.

That's putting a bit of a damper on the Salvation Army's collection, which is running about $4,000 behind where it was this time last year.

"People are giving like there's no tomorrow," Salvation Army co-officer Chris Farrell said on Wednesday. "The problem is, we can't get people to stand by the kettle."

The organization depends on volunteers to staff kettles at 14 storefronts in Homosassa, Inverness and Crystal River through Wednesday, which is Christmas Eve.

First United Methodist Church in Homosassa supplied about 100 volunteers for the nearby Publix, the only group to fully staff an entire location since the ringing began Nov. 28.

Even people on court-ordered probation help out, Farrell said. Students also can get community service hours.

Last year, the Christmastime collection brought in $48,000. The group has collected about $28,000 so far this year.

All the money stays in the county to help needy residents, volunteer coordinator Judy Hoffa said.

What the nonprofit organization needs are individuals willing to give just an hour or two of their time. Or companies that could send employees for short shifts.

It's an easy task: Ring the bell and smile.

"You're helping a whole lot of people," Farrell said.

If you want to volunteer, call Hoffa at 613-0613.