Salvation Army bell ringer hopes to be named ‘Top Bell Ringer’ second year in a row
After receiving life-changing help from the nonprofit, Cedric Terrell wants to give back.
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Cedric Terrell is a dedicated bell ringer who gives his time to raise money for The Salvation Army after it helped him turn his life around two years ago.
Last year, Terrell raised more than $1,600 and won the title of top bell ringer for Tyler. He said he hopes to keep the title this year as the bell ringers work toward the $417,000 goal for 2023.
Terrell has brought passion and flare to the job, wearing costumes and making a point to interact with those who donate money. The week before Thanksgiving, he wore a turkey costume, earning plenty of smiles from those who passed by.
“The Salvation Army, they help people because they love people,” he said. “They helped me along the way, took me in as a family and loved on me. And now, all I want to do is give back and do all I can to help the Salvation Army.”
With a bell in hand, Cedric will collect donations in locations around Tyler for twelve hours straight. When asked if his hand ever gets tired of the ringing, his response is always, “No, I don’t mind.”
“To feed [the homeless], it’s a lot of money for that. To house them, it’s a lot of money. To clothe them, it’s a lot of money. It takes a lot. We need help,” he said.
“It’s giving back,” said Terrell. “The Salvation Army did so much for me to help me to this point, so all I want to do is give back.”
If you are interested in volunteering to ring the iconic bell, go to the Big Red Box to find the sign up link.
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