It's the season of bell ringing for Rita Tilley!
Signs of Christmas
Salvation Army Ringing in Another Holiday Season
December 11, 2011
By: Diane Szczepanski
One can't help noticing the beautiful, old fashioned outfit as they drive by the entrance of Wal-Mart on State St., in Bay City, MI.,
This writer wanted to know more and stopped to have a lovely chat and learn of the background of the costume, with Rita Tilley, the Salvation Army's bell ringer at this location.
According to Rita, for the last 4 years, this location has been her beat and her volunteer contribution to the season of giving. She proudly stands in her station, trying to raise donations for the Salvation Army.
She has been doing this for many years and for a long time dressed as Mrs. Santa Claus, while manning her post in front of the recognizable red kettle.
But, said she then began remembering her days of as a little girl, being with her parents and recalled the impressive outfits the ladies of the 'Army' used to wear back in those times.
"I wanted to get back to wearing the original outfit, we live in a time people are hungry for tradition", Rita remarked. She went on to say, "There is rarely a person who walks by without commenting on my outfit".
Rita made her black velvet hat and already owned the cape.
She was correct about the attention it gets. Nearly every shopper that walked by during our conversation, made a favorable comment about how beautiful she looked.
If you would like to donate to a worthy cause and see Rita's gorgeous ensemble, she'll be there at Wal-Mart until Christmas. She rings the bell Thursday-Saturday from 10am-2pm.
Stop by and say 'hello" to a warm-hearted lady and if you have an extra dollar or two, go ahead, throw it in the red kettle, the Salvation Army can put it to good use.