TYLER, Texas — For nearly 10 years, Gordon Dunn has been putting on his Navy uniform and ringing the Salvation Army bell outside the Brookshire's on Rice Road in Tyler.
He's 72 years old and lost his leg in a motorcycle crash in 1989.
So, why is he doing this when he could be at home watching his favorite show, "Judge Judy?" He has an answer.
"I like doing it," Dunn said. "I love doing this."
His favorite part is the human interaction and getting a chance to smile with folks walking into their local grocery store.
Overseeing the red kettle might seem stressful to some, but Dunn has a strategy that helps encourage others to drop off a few bucks.
The Salvation Army of Tyler said they are halfway to their goal of $389,000. There are seven bellringing days left.
"If you don't laugh and kid around with somebody, then they don't want to give you money," Dunn said. "If everybody is laughing and smiling, it makes them want to give more."
Even though the deadline is approaching for donations, Dunn is showing no signs of slowing down. He said he's going to keep volunteering as long as he can talk and stand.
He's already mastered interacting with shoppers. And, thanks to a little help from his prosthetic leg, he will keep on standing, too.
To donate to the Red Kettle drive, there are several options, including:
- Donate online at southernusa.salvationarmy.org/tyler.
- Donate with cash, coins and checks or digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo at any red kettle.
- Sign up for a sustaining gift of $25 a month at Give.SalvationArmyUSA.org.
For those interested in volunteering to ring the bell, visit RegisterToRing.com or contact the Salvation Army at 903-592-4361.
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