FLOWOOD, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Gov. Phil Bryant joined metro area mayors, business leaders, members of law enforcement and the media Friday to collect money for the Salvation Army.
The "Ring It To Bring It" campaign is raising money and awareness for the Salvation Army's after school program for at risk youth.
Captain Ken Chapman says the Salvation Army has partnered with Gov. Bryant's "Why Wait" campaign to prevent teenage pregnancy and bring rates down by 15 percent in the state.
Bell ringers worked for donations Friday afternoon outside the Corner Bakery in Flowood.
"After school is the time that they are vulnerable, the time that they need somebody. So they come into the Salvation Army program, get a hot meal and learn. And all the money we're raising today will go for that so Deborah and I are out ringing the bell," Bryant said.
"Our children are our future and its so important that we set an example for them and that we're there for them. So anything I can do for a child I'll do it", First Lady, Deborah Bryant said.
"It helps move this community back into productivity that's what we want is to change people's lives. Not a hand out but a hand up," Chapman said.
The goal for Ring It To Bring It was $25,000-$30,000. Each bell ringer tried to collect at least five hundred dollars. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey and other officers led the way in donations. Our own Maggie Wade was one of the bell ringers Friday.
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