Salvation Army bell ringers and Christmas Cheer Center toys needed

Salvation Army bell ringer Alton Griffin at Belk in Forest City Wednesday afternoon. Bell ringers are desperately needed across Rutherford County.

Salvation Army bell ringers are needed across Rutherford County during this Christmas season and the Christmas Cheer Center is collecting toys for children across Rutherford County,

"We are in desperate need of bell ringers in Rutherford County," said Sgt. Mary Ashby, of the Salvation Army of Cleveland and Rutherford County.

"We are hiring right now," she said. Applications are available at the Salvation Army Family Store on Main Street in Forest City. "Everyone will need to fill out an application. This is a job," Ashby said. Volunteers are always invited to come and help with the bell ringing.

Red kettles are being placed at several locations in Rutherford County, including Walmart, Belk, Ingle's Market, Bi-Lo, Food Lion in Forest City and Rutherfordton, Jay's Salvage and Big Lots.

"We already have bell ringers out there and we need more," Ashby said. Some bell ringing locations will be open after Thanksgiving, she said. Further information about bell ringing is available by calling Ashby at 704-692-8515.

Money collected in the red kettles help serve families in Rutherford County with power bills, rent, food and medications.

"We depend on these donations in order to help," Ashby said.

As the bell ringing has begun, the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Center needs assistance with the annual toy drive.

Sgt. Ashby said recently the need this year is expected to be even higher than in the past. "We are really working in the 'unknown' right now," Ashby said. "We can't predict with absolute certainty, but we think the need will be higher.

There are Christmas tree angel names and stockings to fill for children available for pick-up at the Family Store.

"We have over 300 angels (names) to be picked up," she said.

The store is located at 256 West Main Street in Forest City.

There will not be a Christmas food drive at the Salvation Army this year, however, Ashby said food is available at the store Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Anyone wishing more information about the store hours can call 828-287-0119.