Bloomington High School South, The Gothic, 2016, Page 99

Description:	I:The holiday season, a time filled with cheer and joyfor most, can also be a time of dread for somefamilies who are struggling. Many people in MonroeCounty struggle to maintain a stable income and areunable to provide their children with gifts.To prepare for the season of giving and giveback to the community, Bloomington High SchoolSouth students kicked off their winter break byvolunteering to ring bells to encourage donations forthe Salvation Army. Junior Brooke Hudson tookone of her winter break days to volunteer for theorganization. It was a fun and easy way to give backto the community, Hudson said.In hopes of raising money for clothing, food,shelter and holiday gifts for local children and peoplein need in Bloomington, the students, includingjunior Julia Wood, rang bells for two hours at theCollege Mall. It really opened my eyes to whatdonating money means, Wood said.Hudson and Wood were especially valuable tothe Salvation Army during their busiest time. Theorganization uses volunteers year-round, but the bellSophomore Ellianna Hanell stands outside of the!pet store to raise money for the Salvation Army. II.Sophomores Marynancy Mwakalindile and Marcella liranda Garcia await generous shoppers. III. Hanelland fellow sophomore Baileigh Goodlett keep injgood spirits while recieving donations. PHOTOS! BY SARAH BROWNTo give back to the community this holidayseason. South students rang the SalvationArmy bells for donations at the College Mall.ringing attracts the most. South students saw it as away to spread holiday cheer to both the communityand the children of families in need.It really opened my eyesto what donating moneymeans -juniorJulia WoodSome volunteers stood indoors while othersbraved the elements of the winter. Standing in thecold for a few hours to ask for donations is absolutelyworth it knowing you are helping people in need,junior Emily Axsom said. Even by an act that is sosimple as ringing a bell, its nice to know that highschool students are making a huge difference in thelife of someone in our community. The localSalvation Army reaches nearly 500 Monroe Countyfamilies, and relies on volunteers from families andlocal clubs and organizations.JAYLA LEVERENZ
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomsouth/id/9735
Collection:	Bloomington High School South

Further information on this record can be found at its source.