Doing something new — at 97
Freeman center resident takes turn as a bell ringer for Salvation Army
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IRON MOUNTAIN -- A 97-year-old Iron Mountain woman took a turn Friday volunteering for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign, becoming the area's oldest bell ringer for the annual fundraiser.
Lois Larson did her shift alongside fellow Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Center resident Judy Johnson, 66, at Tadych's Marketplace Foods in Iron Mountain as the Salvation Army Bread of Life Assistance Center of Dickinson County kicked off its 2023 campaign.
As a member of the Eastern Star, Larson said she volunteered for many things, she said. Through the years she also volunteered at the Breen Senior Center, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, and made pasties for the Masonic Lodge.
But she thinks this was her first time as a bell ringer. She did have a dream, though, that people were donating to them because she looked cute, she said.
The residents council at Freeman Nursing & Rehabilitation Center decided they wanted to volunteer this holiday season, said Lisa Loar, activities director. One of the things they chose was bell ringing.
"The residents volunteered to do this. They planned it and we just went along with it," she said. She said about 10 residents will take part with shifts twice a week. It's the first time they have done this, she added.
Larson said she will "do whatever they ask us to do. It's a wonderful thing they do. I give them credit for it."
Loar said they have more activities planned. They have a space at the Light Up Lake Antoine, are donating hats and gloves to St. Vincent de Paul and they recently had their first trunk-or-treat.
"A lot of this is to get out into the community more, helping the community," Loar said.
Judging by the reaction from patrons, the duo was a success. Salvation Army Director Tara Coss and Case Manager Jennifer Witte came to check them out.
The Red Kettle Campaign continues through Dec. 24. Those who want to sign up for two-hour shifts for this year's campaign can call 906-221-4301.