Salvation Army Bell Ringer Fatally Shot At A Michigan Kroger

We have all heard the Salvation Army's bells ringing when entering stores around the holidays. Unfortunately, one volunteer bell ringer has been fatally shot at a Kroger.

Salvation Army Bell Ringers

As long as I have been on this Earth, I can remember putting change in those red buckets in front of stores where a Salvation Army volunteer is outside ringing those bells. My mom used to give me and my sister change so when we left the store we got to put something in the bucket.

The story behind the Salvation Army bell ringer tradition, began in 1891 with Captain Joseph McFee in San Francisco. The iconic bell didn't start ringing until 1900 when a New York volunteer, Amelia Kunkle, who used a small brass bell to attract attention to her kettle.

The money collected by the Salvation Army bell ringers is locally year-round helping people in poverty, providing essentials like meals, shelter, utility/rent assistance, clothing, and toys.

Read More: This Michigan Market Sells Beer on Christmas Day

Salvation Army Bell Ringer Shot And Killed At Kroger

According to WXYZ, a Salvation Army bell ringer was shot and killed at a Kroger in Westland. The shooting happened Thursday evening around 6:20 p.m. There is still no word on what led up to the shooting. The Police do a suspect in custody who happens to be a teenage boy.

The Salvation Army Lt. Col. Steve Merritt made the following statement shortly after the incident:

 “The Salvation Army is profoundly heartbroken by the tragic incident that took place tonight at the Kroger in Westland. We lift up in prayer all who are affected, especially the individual involved, their loved ones and the Westland community. We are working closely with the Westland Police Department as they investigate the situation.” 

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Kroger released the following statement:

We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred outside of our Westland Kroger located at 36430 Ford Road. We are cooperating with local law enforcement, and will continue to follow their guidance while the police investigation continues. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are deferring all questions to Westland Police Department.

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