Bell ringers raised funds for community needs. Shown l to r (back) Lions Club President Scott Hunsinger, Salvation Army Resource Development Manager Rod Ballengee, volunteer Jesse Willard; (front) Rotary President Rob Blair and Brockport/Spencerport Salvation Army Coordinator and Kiwanis past president Dan Perry.

Community donates to bell ringers

The Brockport community donated $7,702 to the pre-Christmas Salvation Army bell ringing competition. Brockport Rotary (with over $1,749 raised in one day) won the annual service clubs' competition. The help of an increasing number of other volunteers including individuals like Jesse Willard and groups including the Brockport Teachers Association, Brockport CSD Honor Society and Student Council, Boy and Girl Scouts, soccer teams and similar groups were instrumental in adding to the final total. Counting the Spencerport contributions, that total is about $10,000.

Both Salvation Army representative Rod Ballangee and local coordinator Dan Perry said all monies raised by local volunteers stay in the community. Last year, $250 scholarships went to two individuals entering college level humanities or social service programs. Numerous other families and individuals received help for medicines, heating bills, and other vital needs. Perry is looking for people to help. Contact him at (585) 637-5398 to determine eligibility for aid.

March 5, 2006