Most people would agree that giving is the reason for the season, but the Salvation Army says donations are down nearly $2 million in metro Atlanta this year. So, they sent their troops of red kettle bell ringers out a week early hoping to cash in on shoppers' holiday cheer.
One local bell ringer says the Salvation Army was there when she needed them most. You'll always get a warm greeting from Medenah Wesley, who was on the receiving end of those donations after her home burned down many years ago. Now, she gives back.
But despite the spirit of giving, metro Atlanta area commander Major Todd Hawks says donations have been slow this year.
In addition to giving money to bell ringers, you can also give by buying gifts for children who might not otherwise have them through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. This year, Major Hawks says, the group will serve over 13,000 kids, and that number is up about 3,000 from previous years.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.