VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — It's a familiar sight we see this time of year—Salvation Army bell ringers. There's one in particular at the Walmart at Salem Crossing Shopping Center in Virginia Beach, Batista Jones, who is super passionate about spreading holiday cheer.
"They like to see someone nice, cheery," Jones said.
You definitely get that with Batista.
"That's what I do—I want to uplift somebody, too," she said. "I love smiles. So I know, like I said, somebody's out there going through something, I want to be the light to shine on somebody."
Shining a light is what the 60-year-old Salvation Army bell ringer does with such passion.
"It feels good, you know what I'm saying, to see all these beautiful smiles coming through the doors and people giving me hugs and the kids want to play with the bells," she said. "It's just overwhelming and I just love being out here."
Customers, like Rita Harris, do, too.
"Here there's always one at Walmart in Virginia Beach on Lynnhaven, that plays music," Harris said. "They dance, they be jammin, the music---they get down! They ring the bell. I love it! I love it!
Anchor Kurt Williams shared with Batista that News 3 received an email and a portion of it read, "I just wanted to let y'all know there is a woman with the most beautiful spirit collecting for the Salvation Army at the Walmart. She is singing and dancing and has a kind word for everyone! You can't but have a smile when you encounter her!"
Williams asked Batista what she thought about that email.
"I love it. I think it's beautiful," she responded.
It's important to note, the Red Kettle program goes to a wide variety of projects, that have such a huge impact on so many lives. Major Donald Dohmann, an Area Commander for Hampton Roads, says it's the Salvation Army's biggest fundraiser of the year.
"The monies that are raised in the Red Kettle campaign, they go throughout the year, 365 days to support our shelters, to support our addiction prevention programs, utility disconnect programs, food pantry," Dohmann said.
For Batista's dedication of 12 years of helping with this campaign and her enthusiasm, News 3 is presenting her with an Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
Batista was stunned to say the least!
"Oh my goodness gracious! I'm just so overwhelmed," she said. "I'm happy I'm doing a good job and I have to really thank God for really getting me where I'm at."
