Most people would agree that giving is the reason for the season, but the Salvation Army says donations are down nearly $2 million in metro Atlanta this year. So, they sent their troops of red kettle bell ringers out a week early hoping to cash in on shoppers' holiday cheer.
One local bell ringer says the Salvation Army was there when she needed them most. You'll always get a warm greeting from Medenah Wesley, who was on the receiving end of those donations after her home burned down many years ago. Now, she gives back.
But despite the spirit of giving, metro Atlanta area commander Major Todd Hawks says donations have been slow this year.
In addition to giving money to bell ringers, you can also give by buying gifts for children who might not otherwise have them through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. This year, Major Hawks says, the group will serve over 13,000 kids, and that number is up about 3,000 from previous years.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:19:10 GMT
A police officer, a deputy and a nurse are being called heroes for saving an elderly man's life.
A police officer, a deputy and a nurse are being called heroes for saving an elderly man's life. The man had a medical emergency and the three first-responders were in the right place at the right time.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:27 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:27:20 GMT
Georgia's right to life group is in a dispute with the national pro-lifers.
Georgia's right to life group is in a dispute with the national pro-lifers. The Georgia group has campaigned against a new far-reaching House bill on abortion because it says that the bill doesn't save enough lives.
Thursday, June 20 2013 6:10 AM EDT2013-06-20 10:10:08 GMT
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:55 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:55:03 GMT
The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:53:25 GMT
Joe Torre's daughter caught a 1-year-old boy who fell from a fire escape outside a second-floor apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn Wednesday morning.
Joe Torre's daughter caught a 1-year-old boy who fell from a fire escape outside a second-floor apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn Wednesday morning.
New York state and Eastman Kodak Co. have reached a deal that will keep some of the troubled company's operations in Rochester and provide $49 million for environmental cleanup at the once bustling Eastman...
New York state and Eastman Kodak Co. have reached a deal that will keep some of the troubled company's operations in Rochester and provide $49 million for environmental cleanup at the once bustling Eastman Business Park.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:15 GMT
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:30:42 GMT
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
