Medina honor students commit to bell ringing for 2½ weeks
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Medina National Honor Society members Aaron Feltz, left, and Jason Hellwig raised money for the annual Red Kettle Drive this evening at the Tops store in Medina.
The National Honor Society makes big commitment to the Red Kettle, volunteering in shifts from 3 to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays. They started on Monday and will commit to 2 ½ weeks at the Red Kettle, with their final day on Dec. 23.
“They do a great job,” said Ronnie Barhite, the Red Kettle coordinator for Medina. “The kids are nice and friendly.”
Medina National Honor Society students Jenna Kickbush, left, and Amanda McCauley were joined in ringing the bell for the Salvation Army kettle this evening by student Shane Freeman, center. Shane was there to work towards a 10-hour community service requirement to graduate. All Medina students need to fulfill at least 10 hours of community service to graduate.
Having those 5 ½ hours covered each weekday also gives Barhite peace of mind knowing the kettle is being run by energetic bell ringers.
Feltz, NHS treasurer, said he has more success getting donations by making eye contact and greeting the shoppers.
Hellwig, the NHS president, tries to engage people in conversation.
“We’ve got to know a lot of people out in the community,” he said.
The Red Kettle Drive in Orleans County benefits Community Action. The agency hopes to raise about $25,000 through the drive.
