Bells are ringing, kettles are out

Major David Johnston plays a trumpet duet with his son-in-law Brian Ziegelheafer at Prime Outlets Gaffney on Friday. The biggest shopping day of the year was also the Salvation Army’s local kickoff for their traditional kettle drive. (Ledger photo/Scott Baughman) The bell ringer and the red kettle have become almost as much of a Christmas symbol as Santa Claus. And Gaffney’s Salvation Army church has their men and women on the job again this year.

“It’s a family tradition for me,” said Robert Baumgardner as he helped kick-off the 2005 campaign at Prime Outlets Gaffney on Friday. “My father used to be a bell ringer at Belk’s uptown so I’m carrying on his legacy.”

A slight chill couldn’t dampen the spirits of the army workers as holiday shopping crowds flooded the stores. Major David Johnston joined in the celebration along with his son-in-law Brian Ziegelheafer as the two provided traditional Christmas carols on their trumpets.

“I’ve been part of the Salvation Army for almost my whole life,” Ziegelheafer said.

Johnston chimed in with, “His mother and I grew up together and we all got together again in South Carolina. He’s now married to my daughter Christy and he helps out a lot.”

Yuletide favorites like “We Wish you a Merry Christmas” and “Good King Wenceslaus” wafted in the breeze while young and old alike dropped some coins in the kettle manned by Baumgardner.

“We have about nine locations around town today,” Johnston said. “It can really fluctuate depending on the people we have to staff them and of course a lot depends on the weather. But I think we have at least eight or nine everyday.”

Last year the army raised more than $52,000 with it’s drive, which was a $20,000 increase. Johnston was blown away, but realizes that this year may be a more difficult road to travel.

“We haven’t really set a goal for this year,” he said. “Last year was wonderful, but a lot of charity money has gone out of the state with the hurricanes and other natural disasters. Our hope is that people will see how much we need it right here at home. We hope we can collect as much as last year.”

Dedicated volunteers do help get the word out and man kettles at times, especially those from civic groups and churches. But most of the bell ringers are paid employees for the army. Johnston knows the dedication is worth it.

“I want everyone to know that all of the money we raise stays right here in Cherokee County to help local families with their Christmases,” he said. “We’ve already got a list of about 400 families that need our help and we’ll be accepting donations from now until Christmas Eve. If anyone wants, they can mail a contribution to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2087, Gaffney S.C. 29341.”