SALISBURY, Md.- It's a sound we hear every year around this time on Delmarva: bell-ringers with the Salvation Army. But what keeps these volunteers coming back year after year?
For bell-ringers like Shirley Gary, volunteering is their favorite pastime. Gary has been a Salvation Army bell ringer for nearly 20 years. Every year she gears up despite the weather to help those in need.
"From 9 to 5, Monday through Friday to 2 o'clock in the afternoon, Monday through Friday," Gary said.
Gary said meeting new people every day and ringing the bell is her favorite part of the job.
"Another thing it gives me something to do and I like to keep busy."
The Salvation Army of Salisbury says its bell-ringers are stationed at nearly 16 stores in the area. With her bubbly personality, people like Gary help the Salvation Army reach its financial goals every year.
"Shirley has been ringing for us 19 years, plus, she's one of our most faithful bell ringers," said Capt. Matt Trantham with the Salvation Army. "She has a ton of character and a fun-loving spirit. We love to see her every year when she's able to come out and ring bells for us."
Mary Hiday is not as far along in her bell-ringing journey but enjoys it all the same.
"Five years I've been doing this and it's mainly the kids that put the change in the pocket, one at a time," Hiday said.
Like Gary, Hiday plans to continue bell-ringing as long as she can.
The bell-ringing season starts each November and runs through Christmas eve.
