NORFOLK, Va. — It’s that time of year when you’ll hear bells ringing as you come in and out of stores. It’s your opportunity to give — to help our neighbors — and that is at the heart of our newest Everyday Hero, a very dedicated Salvation Army bell ringer.
His name is Roby Blanenship, and he's been volunteering for some time now.
"I started in early 90s. I think," Blanenship said.
Major Chris Flanagan, with the Salvation Army's Hampton Roads Area Command says Blanenship is a big help to their mission, emphasizing that, "He truly gives back in so many ways, but this is just one. When he recruits his friends as volunteers — come out here, give on a day like this — give your time to reinvest in your community."
Blanenship also wanted to give credit to those friends, saying, "We also are members of the Hampton Roads Claims Association, and we're the ones that — all our volunteers here for the Claims Association — these are the people that are responding today, ringing the bell."
One of those members Roby recruited is Gabe Fox, who spoke excellently of his character.
"Roby is a great guy. I mean, ever since I met him 10 years ago, he's always been just giving, caring person, giving back to his community," Fox said.
Blanenship says he does this because he supports the work of the Salvation Army.
"Because I believe what they're doing the most good is what their motto is," Blanenship said.
Flanagan added to this point, summarizing what their mission is:
"We feed, we clothe, we shelter, we make change in individuals lives. We impact our community, our working neighbors. That's what you do when you partner with the Salvation Army through the Red Kettle efforts," said Flanagan.
Flanagan believes there is a great demand on the Salvation Army this season, saying, "We've had families that never thought they would be in a situation of reaching out to the Salvation Army, individuals who never thought they'd be in a food pantry line to pick up food."
Which is why volunteers like Blanenship are critical, because Flanagan says he is a difference-maker for their organization.
"Absolutely, Roby is important. He partners with us. You see the team that he recruits that makes a difference in our community," Flanagan said.
For all those reasons we presented Blanenship with a News 3 Everyday Hero award along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank. Blanenship indicated he wants that money to go right back to the Salvation Army.
An important reminder if you want to donate when you see a bell ringer — but don't have cash — QR codes are posted near the red kettles that allow you to scan them with your cell phone and contribute.
If you want to give right now to the Salvation Army, click here.
