Dinniman Rings Bell For Salvation Army
Senator Urges Volunteerism, Donations This Holiday Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2008

CONTACT: ADAM CIRUCCI
PHONE: 610-692-2112
acirucci@pasenate.com

WEST CHESTER – State Senator Andy Dinniman rang the bell and solicited donations for the Salvation Army of West Chester Thursday afternoon.

Dinniman rang the bill at the corner of Church and Market Streets to encourage passers-by to reach out to those in need through donations and volunteerism this holiday season.

“In these difficult economic times, it is especially important that, as members of the community, we step up and ensure that everyone has a warm, safe and happy holiday season,” Dinniman said. “You can help by dropping a little bit of money into the red buckets stationed at area shopping centers and downtown streets, or by giving a few hours of your time as a volunteer bell-ringer.”

According to Salvation Army Major Gerald Morgan, the funds collected by bell-ringers make up about 50 percent of the local Salvation Army’s total donations during the holiday season. Last year, the Salvation Army of West Chester collected $72,000 from bell-ringing. This year the organization is shooting for $100,000, in anticipation of increased requests for help. All of the funds collected go directly to those in need.

“The need is definitely up this year. We are reaching out to more families that come to us for help and we really need all the volunteers we can get. We have locations for bell-ringers set up, but not enough people to staff them,” Morgan said.

Morgan also thanked Senator Dinniman for “being a role model in putting words into action.”

The Salvation Army of West Chester expects requests for assistance to rise by about 20 percent this year and the organization needs more volunteer bell-ringers. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, contact the Salvation Army of West Chester at (610) 696-8746.

For more information, call Senator Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112 or e-mail andy@pasenate.com.

###