Memorial High School’s special education students teamed up to spread some holiday cheer – and rake in the donations. Nine students rang the bell for the Salvation Army on Tuesday, Dec. 22, while staff and fellow students clamored to donate money for the cause.

In previous years, students from the department had simply walked to Kmart to donate their time, but the closing of that store in early 2015 created the opportunity for Memorial to host its own bell ringing campaign right in the cafeteria. “Our students had always really enjoyed this activity, as did we,” said Melissa Gunnes, a Memorial special education teacher. “When the opportunity came along to continue on with the bell ringing, and in our building, it was perfect.”

The atmosphere during the event was one of happiness and community. Student bell ringers danced and thanked people for donations with genuinely joyous smiles. “My students love Christmas and we talk a lot about giving back and doing whatever we can for others,” Gunnes said. “Students and staff at Memorial were so incredibly generous! It was a win-win for everyone. We were just thankful for the opportunity!”