By OIVIA BERGMEIER
Salina Post
Raymond Brown spreads a positive message by actively participating in the betterment of his local community. Many resilient heroes work diligently behind the scenes, shoulder to shoulder with family members, neighbors and friends.
Citizens benefit from the countless hours these community champions spend on tasks like garbage disposal, farming, volunteering and social work.
As we embark on this mission to thank the unthanked, we invite you to open your hearts and minds to the incredible stories of these unsung heroes.
Raymond Brown
One wintery morning almost 40 years ago, Raymond Brown woke up to the news that he no longer had a job just before the holiday season.
With a sudden open schedule and Christmas approaching, he decided to use his extra time to volunteer as a Salina Salvation Army Bell Ringer.
Brown grew up in New Cambria, just a few miles east of Salina. He attended Salina schools, and his family lives in the Salina area.
Today, Brown regularly greets guests at the entrance to the Salina Central Mall 37 years later, red bell in hand with a Salvation Army cap and apron.
"Some of them [bell ringers] say, 'Thanks for the donation,' but I like to socialize with them [passersby]," Brown said. "As they leave, I say, 'Thank you very much and have a good one!' that covers the day you're in and the Christmas season."
After signing up, the Salina Salvation Army asked him to volunteer the following day, which Brown said he gladly accepted.
Brown's first station was at a Food for Less store near Atwoods Home and Ranch on Broadway Boulevard, previously the Kmart in town.
"I didn't have any orientation or anything. I just had to use some common sense," Brown said. "There was a 'Survivor' program on TV, so I just went by it."
Every holiday season, Brown would sign back up as a bell ringer, diligently arriving for his shifts and tracking how much cash his donation kettle raised each year.
Not only does Brown's volunteering go toward a community cause, but he said he enjoys socializing and sharing smiles and conversations with everyone who passes by.
"Somebody's gonna have a good Christmas," Brown said.
READ MORE: Salina Post's Community Champions Vol. 3 — Cathy Rider
Salina Salvation Army Lt. Luke Hursh said he enjoys working with Brown for the fundraiser every year and views him as an excellent example for other volunteers for the cause.
"We are the Salvation Army, yes, but we're an extending sort of arm to that facility that has allowed us at that facility," Hursh said. "Raymond is a great example of that because every time you go in, he still has a smile on his face."
Throughout the years, Brown said he has volunteered in all conditions and prioritizes good health before each shift.
Many bell ringers often stand in cold and harsh weather, so Hursh said he encourages volunteers to wear warm coats, gloves and hats during shifts.
Brown said he uses "common sense" when bell ringing to stay safe.
"When it gets cold in that lobby, use common sense and get in there," Brown said. "Take ten and get warmed up."
Hursh said even though Brown reliably donates his time to the fundraiser, he also contributes cash to the significant goal each year.
This year, Salina Salvation Army set its fundraiser goal at $95,000, and on Dec. 7, they were behind.
"Last year at this point, we were at about $35, $40,000. This year, we're about 24,000," Hursh said.
On Dec. 21, the Salvation Army fundraised $65,000, $30,000 short of the goal.
Even though the last day to bell ring was Saturday, Dec. 23, Hursh said generous community members can still donate to the cause online.