Couple gives back to community as bell ringers for Salvation Army

Editor's note: This is the fourth in a series on causes funded through the Julius Gius Bellringer Campaign, which is now underway. Each year readers of The Star donate funds to the campaign to help their neighbors benefit from The Salvation Army's programs.

Ringing the bell for donations to help their community through The Salvation Army has become a tradition for Carolyn and Garry Boyer.

The Boyers have volunteered for three years as bell ringers after deciding they wanted to give back to the community. The couple learned about the storied Red Kettle campaign that raises money around the nation and put their talents to use at the Walmart store in Ventura.

The aspect they like most is interacting with community members doing their shopping.

As children enter the store, Garry Boyer asks, "Is Santa coming to your house?”

The couple lives in Santa Paula. Garry, a retired heating and air conditioning technician and motorcycle mechanic, now works as a pastor. His wife is a probiotics consultant. Along with volunteering as bell ringers, they also raise money through various organizations to provide gifts to homeless adults.

The couple enjoys sharing with others that The Salvation Army isn’t just the Red Kettle campaign that resonates during the holidays but offers a variety of programs all year long.

The Salvation Army helps the community with food, housing and other needs, the couple said.

"They work with other people, too, to be a part of this whole community in Ventura County," said Carolyn Boyer. "It’s been important for all of us to be involved.”

To donate online, visit https://tinyurl.com/5h8r99e2 or send donations to The Salvation Army Ventura, 650 S. Petit Ave., Ventura, CA 93004. Please include whether your donation is in honor or memory of someone. You may also donate anonymously.

Donors

Leigh C. Burton, $100, In honor of my husband Chuck Burton.

Brad and Mia Ditto, $100, This donation is in memory of our parents, John and Eva Castorena, Cliff Ditto, Gordy Garcia and Elaine Ditto Garcia. They all loved the Christmas season so much.

Anonymous, $200, In memory of Roxanne and Wauneta.

Chuck and Ann Elliott, $200, In loving memory of Jean Elliott and John Schiavone, and in honor of Angie Schiavone.

Kerrie Lee Cortez, $50, In memory of my two favorite Bills. Bill Fairfield and Bill Wintersteen.

Joyce M Wiechert, $50, In memory of Flo and Loraine

Margery S. Cauvet, $100, In memory of my husband Brad Cauvet. Miss you every day.

Johnnie Van Manen, $100, In memory of our son Jeff.

Robert F. and Beverly J. Millhouse M.D., $300, In memory of our son Michael Obradovich who was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a Fresno fireman. Thought of often and dearly missed. Love and “Blue Skies” forever. Mom and Dad.

Anne V. Russell Hurd, $100, In memory of Jan and Bob Russell. You are missed. From the Russell-Hurd family.

David Hilty, $100, Honoring all first responders and military. The Bench Warmer Ventura.

Revis O Robinson II, $100.

Cynthia A Hashbarger, $50, In loving memory of my good friend Midge Stork.

Richard and Linda Watt, $50, In loving memory of my parents Ray and Neva Erwin; my brother and sister-in-law Don and Christina Erwin; also my husband's family Donald and Peggy Watt and brother Dennie Watt; also in memory of good friend Jo Ann Carroll, Sue Whatson, Carol and Kathlyn also. We miss all of you so much. With love.

Huora L Williams, $100, In memory of my mother and father, Juanita Piercy Williams and Julian Richmont Williams; my other parents, Hattie Lee Rice and Harold Richmond Rice; my nephews Loren Dean Williams, Anthony Louis Rigali and Alexander William Rigali; and my brother William Edward Williams (Billy Dee).

Julia C Griggs, $25, To celebrate all those who remember when it was five trees and made the hike.

Lin and Judy Franklin $200, In loving memory of son Brad Franklin.

Linda Romano, $25, In living memory of all those we have lost. All of you live on in my heart.

Draza M. Mrvichin, $500.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Bellringer: A time to help the community