Homeless mom sings, rings bell for Salvation Army red kettle campaign
MONROE — The sound of singing and bell ringing greets customers at the Walgreens located at the corner of Telegraph Road and M-50. Wearing a red apron with a bell in one hand and a lighted karaoke-style microphone in the other, Articia Bomer is a Salvation Army bell ringer from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The mother of 10 wants to bring a smile to others as she collects donations for the annual red kettle campaign. According to the Salvation Army, the charitable fundraiser helps provide toys for kids, coats for the homeless and food for the hungry along with many social service programs throughout the year.
The 51-year-old admits standing for hours can lead to a sore back and aching feet but said the discomfort is worth seeing others smile.
“I just wanted to give the community something more than just bell ringing,” Articia Bomer said in an email. “I know that many people are excited at Christmas time while others, not so much. It could be due to depression, the loss of a loved one or simply because they just don’t believe in Christmas or the feeling that Christmas brings to most.”
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Originally from Wayne County, Bomer and her two daughters have been active in a variety of community events in Monroe County.
In September, Bomer volunteered to run in the Bed Race to Aid Children. This holiday season, she volunteered at the Christmas tree lighting in downtown Monroe and helped at the Knights of Columbus’ annual charity to help children who are less fortunate.
"All of these organizations help the homeless,” she said. “Little did any of them know, we are homeless, too. I love to volunteer my service to others because I live in those same shoes. ”
Bomer and her daughters eat at local food pantries. Through the “God Works” meal program, they share dinner with other homeless people in the community.
“We came here homeless with only one large suitcase and three backpacks on our backs,” she said. “We specifically came here because no other shelter in Wayne County had openings. Monroe County was the nearest place that had openings.”
Since living in Monroe, the girls have enrolled in school and Bomer is in the criminal justice law enforcement program at Monroe County Community College.
“I ride the buses in the morning to drop both girls off and then pick them up after school the same way,” she said.
They are currently living at a local hotel. Before that, they stayed 90 days at Monroe's Salvation Army.
“I figured I would give back to the Salvation Army for allowing me to have a private family room there with a hot meal once a day at dinnertime,” she said.
Bomer prays one day she’ll be rich and successful so that she can give more than just a smile and a song away.
— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Homeless mom sings, rings bell for Salvation Army red kettle campaign
