By Staff
SUMMER BELLS Deneane Nix, left, and Genie Durden encourage a donation for the Salvation Army's Christmas in July fund-raising program from Tim Allred. Contributions help support a number of Salvation Army activities. Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star.
By William F. West / community editor
July 6, 2002
Salvation Army volunteers are giving Bonita Lakes Mall and two other shopping locations in Meridian a Christmas-like look, ringing bells for donations into the familiar red kettle.
The Meridian Salvation Army is in its second year of Christmas in July, a program the organization put together to help raise much-needed funds during the summer months.
The goal is to raise $20,000 for the homeless shelter at 710 B St. and for programs to feed and shelter the needy, many of whom are single mothers who have fallen on hard times.
In addition to the mall, volunteers have also been stationed at Super Wal-Mart and K Mart. They have worked each day of this week, except on the Fourth of July. Plans are to finish up today.
One of those ringing the bell Friday afternoon outside Bonita Lakes Mall was Genie Durden, a member of Central United Methodist Church. She had a gracious smile for the passersby.
Nix, a member of Central United Methodist Church, along with her mother-in-law, Florence Nix, arrived to relieve Durden.