Callaway County Salvation Army volunteer bell ringers collected $15,900 from Callaway County shoppers during last month's Christmas season.
The money will be used to help needy Callaway County residents with their utility bills and needy young families wanting diapers for infants.
Glenda L. Fitch, Salvation Army board secretary, said during the last Christmas season, 167 people volunteered to ring bells at Walmart, Moser's Grocery, and C&R Market in Fulton.
"The board would like to express our thanks to the volunteers who contributed 485 hours of service to the Salvation Army by ringing bells at Salvation Army collection kettles," Fitch said.
Fitch said their support has helped the Salvation Army make a difference in the lives of those served.
"Without the help of this "army' of volunteers," Fitch said, "we would not be able to continue offering support to those in need in the county. We appreciate the kindness, compassion and generosity of the volunteers and those who contributed so generously."
To streamline the process of screening people for utility bill aid, the Salvation Army has turned over that phase of the operation to SERVE, Inc.
SERVE, Inc. is now the new aid distribution center for the Salvation Army, taking over that responsibility from the First Christian Church in Fulton