Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies ring bells for the Salvation Army

Salvation Army Major Mark Craddock and Sheriff Lott welcome shoppers in northeast Columbia

By W. Thomas Smith Jr.

FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) – primarily RCSD’s command staff and members of RCSD’s Community Action Team – were out in force ringing the bells from 10:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. at the northeast Columbia location of Walmart 10060 Two Notch Road, Thursday, Dec. 5.

“This is something we do every year and it’s a blast,” said Sheriff Lott during a recorded interview while ringing the bells. “Whatever you give – doesn’t matter if it’s one penny or a thousand dollars – every penny helps. Give what you can. Give a little bit, because you’re giving somebody a lot.” [Please see – https://vimeo.com/1037598193/704b0a3d4b?]

With blue lights flashing, three RCSD vehicles were positioned adjacent to both Walmart entrances.

Sheriff Lott’s shift was from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and he was joined by Salvation Army Maj. Mark Craddock.

The recipient of last year’s Salvation Army Bell Ringer Commendation Award, Lott and his department broke the record for most money raised by an organization in a single day at one location for two years running. The amount raised by RCSD in 2022 was $2,349. The previous year’s record set by RCSD was $1,473. RCSD broke its 2021 record by $876, and Salvation Army officials say any single-day kettle amount over $500 is considered a “very good” day.

– The video-interview was conducted by AsToldBy Media, a content marketing agency contracted by the Salvation Army of the Midlands. For more information, please visit – https://www.astoldbyagency.com/.