Bell-ringing is an Important Employee Activity for MLGW at Christmastime

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, November 12, 2008 – More than 10 years ago, Memphis Light Gas and Water started a holiday tradition that brings out the festive spirit among employees and provides them the opportunity to give back to the Memphis community by bell-ringing as part of The Salvation Army's annual red kettle campaign.

For the 11th year, MLGW employees will wish people a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holiday at the Walgreen's at the corner of Main St. and Madison Ave. Employees will begin ringing the bell on December 2, Monday through Friday in three one-hour sessions between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will finish on Dec. 21. MLGW has a core group of more than 25 bell-ringers who participate because they want to help those less fortunate.

"When I shop at Christmas for my eight grandchildren, I think about what Christmas must be like for other people who don't have very much," said Margaret Grimes, MLGW bell-ringer. "It is not about the presents. It is about someone not being able to afford to eat and I want to give back any way I can."

Grimes added that MLGW never has any trouble finding enough employees to ring the bell no matter how cold the weather is outside.

"We make lemonade out of our lemons no matter how freezing the weather," said Grimes. "One year my co-ringer and I started singing to try to raise more attention and keep ourselves warm. We got a great response. Some people even offered to donate more money if we stopped singing."

The Red Kettle campaign is the country's longest running fundraiser. It started in San Francisco in 1891 and quickly spread throughout the country. In Memphis, The Salvation Army rings at more than 70 locations throughout the area. It requires a lot of manpower and coordination to make sure each kettle location is manned each day.

"Companies like MLGW really help us when they volunteer to take a number of days," said Major Mark Woodcock, area commander of The Salvation Army. "We don't have to worry about finding other volunteers for the Walgreen's site because MLGW takes care of that for us. Companies that contribute every year are very valuable to us, and we greatly appreciate them."

By helping to contribute to The Salvation Army's largest fundraiser of the year, MLGW's employees make it possible for The Salvation Army to continue to run their shelters, daycare, rehabilitation programs, disaster assistance and utility assistance programs.

If any employees are interested in signing their organization up for bell-ringing, call Cherita Hopper, volunteer coordinator, The Salvation Army at 901-260-9120.

About The Salvation Army Memphis
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army's work in Memphis is a common belief that all people can make positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our actions and words.

The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. And believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and spirit.

Every year, The Salvation Army Memphis helps more than 27,000 people, provides more than 60,000 nights of lodging, and serves more than 200,000 meals and snacks.

CONTACT:
Abby Turner
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130