Dec. 20, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
With final exams completed and holiday festivities getting into full swing, most students look at semester break as an opportunity to catch up on lost sleep - not the Illinois State men's basketball team. Instead, less than 48 hours after returning from sunny California and three hours after a morning practice session, the Redbirds were paired up for two-hour shifts at seven area locations ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, Tuesday afternoon.
Amidst 26 degree temperatures and a 15-degree wind chill, the Redbirds served as volunteer bell ringers from 2-4 p.m. at Kroger (College and Main), Jewel-Osco (Parkway Plaza), Walgreens (GE Road and Ft. Jesse), Hobby Lobby (Shoppes at College Hills) and Wal-Mart (Normal).
The Salvation Army's traditional red kettle is an integral part of the holiday season. Donations provide dinners, food, clothing and toys for needy families and individuals. The Salvation Army serves over 34 million Americans through a variety of programs year round.
