Sad, but true: the harsh clanging of Salvation Army Austin Corps bellringers’ bells can be annoying.

Thursday, December 14, 2000

Sad, but true: the harsh clanging of Salvation Army Austin Corps bellringers’ bells can be annoying.

Don’t ask the Grinch. Ask retailers and shoppers.

Especially in an enclosed area.

Especially when there’s so many other sounds of Christmas.

Especially if you’re a parent – or grandparent – leaving a store broke and bedraggled after Christmas shopping with the children.

The Austin Corps has made every accommodation of local merchants, who want the bells banned.

That’s why shoppers at OakPark Mall and other places will see bellringers, standing next to the familiar Salvation Army red kettles.

A bell should not be needed to remind people of the Salvation Army Austin Corps’ energetic efforts to help the needy at Christmastime.

Don’t ignore the bellringers, who are working in silence this holiday season to ensure the needy won’t go ignored.