Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign meets needs of Cove citizens

Special to Leader-Press

More than 250 shifts of bell ringing from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24 will result in an estimated $30,000-$40,000 for Copperas Cove residents who need clothing, shelter, medical care, and more. The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign also ensured these same residents were able to celebrate a meaningful Christmas with their families.

The Cross family knows all too well how vital the services of the Salvation Army can be for a family.

Tiny Miss Five Hills Isabella Cross, her mother, Ashley, and grandparents rang the bell for two hours and said bell ringing touched their family's hearts.

“We did this event together as a family because we each wanted to give back. At one point in life, my family needed help, and the Salvation Army answered our prayers. We are forever grateful,” Ashley Cross said. “Plus, seeing our town’s Christmas spirit and generosity was very joyful and fulfilling.”

For the sixth consecutive year, the Copperas Cove Five Hills royalty rang bells in two-hour shifts at both doors of Walmart from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Glen Trinidad danced and sang Christmas carols with his grandson, Baby Mister Five Hills J. T. Trinidad, along with other family members as they shared the spirit of Christmas with Walmart customers.

“Our Christmas caroling caught the attention of customers and lured them our way. They joined in singing with us,” Glen Trinidad said. “Others say they enjoyed our spirit so much that they had to come and watch and donate after shopping. We all truly felt the joy of Christmas.”

Ringing the Salvation Army bell has become a family tradition for Copperas Cove Five Hills Ambassador Briana Liles who rang for the third consecutive year.

“I really enjoy doing it. Ringing the bell, wishing blessings on everyone during the holidays, and even singing Christmas carols is so much fun,” Liles said. “It makes me feel good to know I was a part of raising funds to provide for those that would otherwise not have Christmas. I pray that many children had smiles and got something they truly wanted on Christmas morning. Most importantly, I hope they all feel loved.”

Junior Mister Five Hills Jackson Gibbs rang the Salvation Army bell with his mother, Shana Robinson.

"I loved volunteering with my mom,” Gibbs said. “We had fun singing Christmas songs and dancing. Almost every person who walked by us donated. Christmas is about giving and not receiving.”  

Little Mister Five Hills Noah Spitzer was surprised how many people donated money.

“I was happy I had the chance to ring the bell with my twin sister,” Spitzer said. “I also give points to those who ring the bell for more than two hours since my hand was tired after my shift.”  

Five Hills Ambassador Naomi Williams rang bells for the second year in a row.  

“Bell ringing was fun,” Williams said. “We got to tell everyone merry Christmas and a lot of people donated money to help others.”

The Five Hills royalty also wrapped gifts for several hours to benefit Project Graduation, a drug-free and alcohol free celebration for Copperas Cove High School seniors.

Junior Miss Five Hills Hayley Sawyer said the giftwrapping could not have been more fun.

“It was amazing wrapping all the presents and raised money for a great cause at the same time,” Sawyer said. “I loved thinking of the great things to come this Christmas.”