Monday, JANUARY 5, 2026 |
Photo – Reverend Fitzhugh presents a check to Tink Day – Courtesy Tink Day
The Salvation Army of Carbon County reported a record‑breaking season of donations.
From November 15th through December 24th, Salvation Army of Carbon County bell ringers collected more than $20,000. Local Salvation Army leader Tink Day said the volunteer bell ringers brought in more than $17,500 in cash donations. Additionally, Saint Thomas Episcopal Church contributed another $2,500 through its Love Thy Neighbor grant program.
Day said the 2025 bell‑ringing season saw the highest number of donations in the Salvation Army of Carbon County’s history, surpassing the previous record of $15,076 set in 2022.
In 2023, citing a need for time off, Day stepped away from the Salvation Army. At that time, WYO Help, a statewide charity, took over management of the organization. However, the group was unable to fulfill its commitment to Carbon County and ended its involvement with the Salvation Army in December of 2024, which meant no money was collected that year.
Day returned to lead the local Salvation Army branch in May.
At the time she spoke with Bigfoot99, Day had not yet calculated the total number of volunteers who helped collect donations this season, though the number is likely higher than 40. The Rawlins High School boys’ soccer team also took part, playing music for passersby. Day said the soccer players were curious to see how effective their approach had been.
The soccer team not only played music during their shift as bell‑ringers but also had a special way of celebrating each donation.
Bell‑ringing also counts as community service, allowing students to include the hours on their college applications.
Day said 90 percent of all donations stay in Carbon County, helping residents with their rent and utility bills. With a $200 limit per family, Day said she expects the donation money to go fast.
The end of the holiday season doesn’t mean donations to the Salvation Army of Carbon County have to stop. Contributions can still be mailed to P.O. Box 301, Rawlins 82301, or given directly to Day.
For help with a utility bill or rent payment, call Saint Christopher’s Highway of Carbon County at 321‑6688. Day will be notified and arrange a meeting in Rawlins.
