Volunteer bell ringers, generous donors surpass $1,500 red kettle goal

Laura Roth makes a contribution in Salvation Army’s red kettle on an unusually warm Dec. 10 afternoon before she does her shopping at Holyoke Marketplace. Ringing the bells during that shift were Celena and Rebecca Kennedy, who live in Holyoke on the weekends and during school breaks. “It’s an honor to serve,” Celena said, noting that the people of Holyoke had been very generous. Holyoke’s Salvation Army chairperson Ann McConnell said, “We couldn’t be more happy with the turnout.” Though the campaign passed its $1,500 goal over the weekend, it will continue through Saturday, Dec. 23, and many shifts are still available for volunteers to sign up. — Johnson Publications