A month after the bell-ringers have hushed, the Salvation Army Tracy service extension has totaled its 2006 earnings. Tracy-area shoppers dropped $30,310.62 in its kettles last month.
The Salvation Army has about 80 volunteers each holiday season who greet customers in front of Albertson’s, Wal-Mart, Food Max, Safeway and both Save Mart locations.
The money will provide assistance to poor people in the community through vouchers issued by Tracy Interfaith Ministries, McHenry House Family Shelter and the Tracy Police Department.
Bell-ringers in Tracy last year brought in $34,400, said Frank DiMenco, kettle drive chairman and 14-year bell-ringing veteran. “I’m not happy if we don’t make at least $1 more than the previous year.”
DiMenco added that the Salvation Army wouldn’t have reached that total last month if it weren’t for the help of local merchants.
The Salvation Army’s bell ringing — a 127-year tradition — is a big part of its bottom line and the marketing face of the organization.
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