News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Cookeville Rescue Mission has begun its annual Hope Rings Out campaign, ringing bells to support its work.
This year marks the 35th year of the campaign. Rescue Mission Staff Manager Ronnie Lindsey said the money collected from this fundraiser makes up about a fifth of the Rescue Mission’s total budget. He said volunteers can make their own schedule and go to locations the most convenient to them.
“Without the volunteers we can’t figure this in our budget,” Lindsey said. “Less volunteers we have, is the less hours we get the bell ringing, the less hours we get the bell ringing, the less money, so.”
The campaign runs through December 25. If you are interested in volunteering, details can be found on the Cookeville Rescue Mission’s website.
Bell ringers will be stationed at Sams, Belk, Kroger, Big R and Algood Walmart. Lindsey said the businesses that allow them to raise funds on their property during Christmas season are the lifeblood of the fundraiser.
“That means everything. That keeps the doors open and the lights on and allows us to do more years of service to our community,” Lindsey said.
The Cookeville Rescue Mission was founded in 1976. They provide shelter and food to the homeless across the Upper Cumberland. Lindsey said the money from this campaign saves lives.
“It’s very important,” Lindsey said. “It’s many of lives at steak. It is not just food and shelter, it’s future for others. We try to help them with future housing and jobs and just try to reequip them for life daily.”
Lindsey said they need charity more now than they ever have.
“Just get the word out and make people knowledgeable of the need to serve the homeless,” Lindsey said. “We add more and more each day to our population as we grow. I guess people can see that.”
