Volunteers spread holiday cheer by ringing bells for the Salvation Army.
Carolyn Barrett, an 80-year-old woman, continues her 30-year tradition of ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle fundraising campaign in Augusta. Despite the cold weather, she warmly greets shoppers, inspired by her own childhood experiences with the organization. Carolyn shares her joy of giving back and encourages younger generations to join in on the charitable efforts. The campaign now includes technology with a Virtual Red Kettle for easy donations, while Carolyn’s unwavering dedication continues to uplift the community during the holiday season.
Augusta is buzzing with the holiday spirit, and one local icon is spreading cheer in her own unique way. Meet Carolyn Barrett, an 80-year-old powerhouse who has been sprinkling her festive magic by ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle fundraising campaign for an impressive 30 years. That’s right—she’s been making a difference since the early ’90s!
Every holiday season, you can find Carolyn standing outside stores, such as Hobby Lobby located at 230 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway, with her trusty bell in hand. Nothing deters this spirited lady, not even the chilly weather. As the temperature drops, her smile grows brighter, welcoming shoppers with warmth and goodwill.
Carolyn’s connection to the Salvation Army runs deep. Growing up in a cozy little town nestled between Erie, PA, and Buffalo, NY, she reminisces about the magic of Christmas—the snow, the twinkling lights, and of course, Santa Claus himself. Christmas was always special in her family, not just for the gifts, but for the community gatherings and celebrations, many of which were made possible through the Salvation Army during tough times.
Her childhood memories are painted with images of white Christmases and the generosity of others. Due to financial struggles, her family often relied on the Salvation Army for Christmas parties and dinners, which left a lasting impression on her. Inspired by this goodwill, she decided to give back by volunteering her time each holiday season. It’s her way of making sure other families feel that same joy she once experienced.
Throughout her bell-ringing journey, Carolyn has witnessed the kindness of strangers firsthand. People from all walks of life stop by to drop their change, bills, or even checks into the red kettle. One standout moment came when she received a jaw-dropping $1,000 check from a generous donor. These are the moments that keep her going, reminding her of the spirit of giving that makes the holidays so special.
While traditional donations remain vital, technology has also found its way into this charitable campaign. Shoppers can now donate via a Virtual Red Kettle by simply scanning a QR code displayed on outdoor kettles. This makes giving easier and more accessible than ever for those on the go.
Despite her extensive experience, Carolyn believes it’s essential for the younger generations to step up and carry on the tradition of supporting the Salvation Army. In fact, she’s not the only one in her family contributing to this noble cause. Both her daughter and grandson are also ringers, continuing the legacy of service, but Carolyn feels her years of experience truly set her apart.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast for Augusta suggests that this Christmas won’t be a snowy one. With temperatures dipping to around 39 degrees on Christmas Eve and reaching about 43 degrees on Christmas Day, the lack of snow shouldn’t dampen holiday spirits. Expect clear skies with little to no chance of rain, a perfect backdrop for those last-minute gift runs and bell ringing!
As Carolyn continues her 30-year tradition, she remains hopeful that others will join in the spirit of giving during the holidays. The simple act of ringing a bell can uplift spirits and help countless families in need. So, as you venture out for your holiday shopping, consider dropping some change in the kettle and think of Carolyn and her dedication to making a difference one festive jingle at a time!
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