By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
A little light rain didn’t stop Marine veteran Joseph Shaner from ringing the holiday bells for the Salvation Army of Mesquite annual kettle drive fundraiser outside Smiths Market on Thursday, Dec. 9.
Even though Smiths allows the bell ringer volunteers to stay inside the doorways when the weather is unpleasant, it was still a bit damp.
But Shaner was undaunted. “I like this kind of weather,” he said. “It is no problem to be out here.”
Shaner grew up in Mesquite, graduated from Virgin Valley High School and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After his service he returned back to Mesquite.
Shaner uses a scooter to get around instead of a wheelchair. That is because of back problems and trouble breathing. None of that keeps him from serving his community.
He said he had a special fondness for The Salvation Army organization. “The Salvation Army donations helped my sister out when she needed a hand,” he said.
“I am ringing the bell for a good cause, and it is fun,” Shaner said. “I enjoy the people I meet.”
For more information on The Salvation Army holiday kettle drive call the local office at 702-345-5116, or drop by at 742 W Pioneer Blvd. Suite D.
