Ringing Holiday Bells In Mesquite

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Salvation Army volunteer Larry Strickler (right) sings holiday karaoke favorites while his wife Nema Strickler rings the bell in the holiday kettle drive. PHOTO BY BOBBIE GREEN/The Progress

Larry Stricker and his wife Nema have been ringing the holiday bells in Mesquite for the Salvation Army for the past six years.

They may be at different locations on different days. But you can always tell it is the Stricker’s because Larry will be singing loud and clear with karaoke machine background music and a smile on his face. He sings Christmas songs, happy songs, and he even takes request.

“I ring the bells and sing to help get more money for the Salvation Army,” Larry said. “I like to see the smiles on the happy faces of the people that walk by.”
“By ringing this bell, we help someone have a better Christmas,” added Nema.

Ringing is not the only way that Larry likes to share his musical gifts. He said that he visits the Highland Manor nursing facility regularly to sing for the people there.

The Stricker’s came to Mesquite from Vernal, Utah fourteen years ago. They said that they love the weather here.