Saundra Shearon is now officially the Women’s Bell Ringer World Record holder, having completed an amazing 57 consecutive hours at The Salvation Army Kettle in Cleburne, Texas.
Always one to step up to a challenge, Saundra volunteered to participate as soon as she found out about the contest. “I heard about the competition a week or so ago while volunteering at The Salvation Army and straight away I told them, ‘I’ll do it!’ I love a challenge, particularly when people say that I can’t do something.” Contest rules stipulated that ringers had to stand the entire time, could take a 10 minute break every four hours, and that participants could not eat anything but could drink water, Gatorade, or juice.
However, Saundra’s motivation to get involved goes well beyond simply stepping up to a challenge. There was a time in her life when she was a beneficiary of the services provided by The Salvation Army; a time when she had nowhere else to turn. In 2001, Saundra and her husband, a Veteran of WWII, relocated to Cleburne, Texas, from Kentucky. Money was tight, but they did the best they could to prepare for the move. Upon arrival, however, the couple made the desperate decision to pawn their wedding rings in order to raise enough money to secure an apartment. “We’d spent everything we had and needed help paying the deposit for the water and utilities in the new apartment, so we asked a few people who could help us,” explains Saundra. “A friend said that we should try The Salvation Army. I didn’t know much about The Salvation Army, but they were able to help us get on our feet and into our own place.”
Ever since, Saundra has volunteered each Christmas as a bell ringer and has also served on The Salvation Army Disaster team at local disasters including floods, fires and tornadoes. “Once I met the people at The Salvation Army in Cleburne I wanted to get involved and give back, particularly after they helped me. I fit right in, and the people there have been like family to me. Sometimes it would make my husband mad when I’d run off to volunteer. On my way out the door I’d shout back to him, ‘The Salvation Army called, they need me!’ I think he understood. As a veteran, he had a great affection for The Salvation Army, remembering how they served the soldiers through the years.”
The Bell Ringing contest started at 11 AM (CST), on Thursday, December 15, and Saundra, along with 24 other individuals around the U.S., started ringing in support of the 125th Anniversary of The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign—and in the hope of beating the existing world record set at 36 hours.
Wrapped up in three layers of clothes, with bells dangling from her boots and sunglasses, Saundra, with a beaming smile on her face, greeted everyone who entered the Walmart store in Cleburne. Many people wished her luck as they dropped their change into the kettle. Saundra commented, “Wow, this is great! You get to see everyone you know while you’re ringing the bell right here. Some people I’ve not seen in a while.” On Friday morning, Saundra received news that two contest ringers dropped out of the competition to which she responded, “I think that’s awesome. That’s two less to worry about!”
Nancy Holt, Director of The Salvation Army of Johnson County, scheduled a Salvation Army staff member or volunteer to be with Saundra throughout the contest. “Saundra likes Elvis Pressley, so we bought her an Elvis Christmas CD, and she listened to it all day,” said Mrs. Holt. “We each took a one-hour shift through the night. I scheduled everyone through noon on Friday, but I had to make extra assignments once Saundra said she’d be going all the way though Saturday! We’re so proud of her.” In addition to volunteering with The Salvation Army, Saundra works at a local church. “My boss came by and asked when I’d be coming back to work,” Saundra said on Friday afternoon. “I told him I’ll be back when I’m done ringing!”
Saundra eventually stopped ringing at 8:00 PM (CST) on Saturday, December 17, as the last remaining woman in the contest, after 57 hours! Exhausted, aching all over, and ready for something to eat, Saundra still had a smile on her face. “I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to ring for so long. The Salvation Army does so much good right here in our community, and I love that they always make time to listen to the people who come looking for help. This is my way of giving back to them after they helped me, and so many others, over the years.”
