Times Observer photo by Stacey Gross Dessie George is in her 12th year as a Salvation Army bell ringer.

Dessie George has been ringing bells for the Salvation for 12 years. Though she’s only been ringing bells in Warren for two years, George said she moved here from Indiana, Pa., and she was a bell ringer in her community there for 10 years.

“I love people. It’s a good cause,” said George, who moved here with her husband Paul.

She said it’s her friendly, personable nature that makes the volunteer position enjoyable for her, adding, “I’m very friendly. I encourage people to give.”

George said that after her husband Paul passed away, four years ago this year, the bell ringing helps her as much as the Salvation Army helps others.

“They help so many people,” George said. But it helps her to get out, see people, and have conversations. “I meet people every day,” said George. “It keeps me active.” She said that in one day she saw people from a church she used to go to, the church she goes to now, from the YMCA, where she used to work, and met new people as well.

And, since George loves children, she gets to meet lots of them as well. “I let them ring the bell,” she said, “and if they don’t have any change to give I keep some here that I let them put in the kettle.”

George said she’s never had any negative interactions with people passing by her station, which Wednesday afternoon was in the entryway to Tops in downtown Warren.

“People love to give,” she said. “The nicer you are to them, the more they give.”

George said that this year’s weather has put a damper on more than just the atmosphere outside.

“When it rains,” she said, “people don’t give as much. When it snows it reminds you of Christmas. It needs to stop raining and start snowing!”

This week’s weather has put a damper on donations for this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, as well. The organization has brought in about $30,000 less this year in Warren than it had at the same time last year, according to Captain Keith Jache.

“That’s very said,” said George, who added that her belief in the cause and her love of people is what keeps her on the kettle campaign year after year.

“This is giving back,” said George. “I donate my time to help the Salvation Army,” which in turn helps others.

“And I’ll keep doing it, until my health gives out,” said George.

This year’s Red Kettle Campaign runs through Saturday, Dec. 24.

Snow is on the way!