HOW TO VOLUNTEERGo to ringbells.org to volunteer as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.IF YOU GOThe Salvation Army of Cleveland, Tenn., will start its Christmas Campaign today at Bradley Square Mall. The program will begin at noon.
Christmas carols rang from center stage at Hamilton Place mall Friday as the Salvation Army started its 2011 Christmas Campaign.
“We’re here tonight to usher in a season of giving,” said Salvation Army Maj. Al Newsome as the Jericho Brass Band completed playing “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
Volunteers painted Christmas ornaments on children’s faces. Pinky the Clown passed out candy to the crowd. The Rock City Four Barbershop Quartet sang. And Salvation Army officials encouraged onlookers to give to its red kettle drive and participate in its Angel Tree campaign where donors are asked to select a name from a Christmas tree and purchase a gift for the person.
It’s been 13 years since the first Salvation Army campaign began at the mall, said Hamilton Place spokeswoman Catherine Wells.