C-Falls takes back bell-ringing title

After all the donations were counted, Columbia Falls emerged as the winner of Thursday’s Salvation Army red-kettle community challenge.

The City Ring Day award will move back to Columbia Falls, which won the competition in 2016 but was outdone by Evergreen in 2017. Columbia Falls volunteers brought in about $312 more than Evergreen to win the friendly competition.

All five participating communities (Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Bigfork, Whitefish and Lakeside) demonstrated their support in the competition that brings in thousands of dollars to the Salvation Army’s red-kettle campaign. The entire Flathead Valley continued its generosity with a total for the day of $7,369.69.

Maj. Bill and Joy Lum, Salvation ArmyCorps officers, extended their gratitude and thanks to everyone in the valley for their ongoing support for those in need.

Bell ringing competition results:

• City of Columbia Falls, Smith’s — $2,835.59

• Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, Evergreen Super 1 Foods — $2,523.03

• Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, Bigfork Harvest Foods North — $1,219.86

• City of Whitefish, Safeway — $402.36

• Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, Lakeside Tamarack Brewing Co. — $388.85

The Salvation Army shares hope by providing new toys and clothing for the children, and food for Christmas dinner. The communities’ generosity also provides for local services, including in 2018: 24,000 meals; 7,330 clothing and household items; 2,000 shower services, 87 youth camp scholarships, 1,025 Christmas toys in 2017; and 192 new backpacks with school supplies.