HIGH POINT – Betty Stout is 81 years old and lives at Pennybyrn at Maryfield in Jamestown. She has had a dream for the last 50 years. On Dec. 3, her wish was fulfilled.

“I’ve always wanted to ring bells for The Salvation Army,” Stout explained from her wheelchair outside of Lowe’s Foods in Jamestown.

Janet Golden, activity director for health care at Pennybryn, decided to help when she heard about Betty’s dream. She called Capt. Tony Perez of the Salvation Army in October.

“I was so excited when everything was finalized, I cried so hard I dropped the phone,” Golden said. “I went from one side of the building to the other, telling everyone. I was so overjoyed.” Betty’s reaction when she heard the news? “She cried too, she just kept saying, ‘They’re going to let me ring the bell!’”

Betty Stout has lived in the area for most of her life. She lived on Penny Road for over 40 years before she joined the Pennybyrn community 13 years ago. Stout’s two children, Page from Greenville and Mitch from Trinity, came to Lowe’s Foods to watch their mother in action. “This is all she has talked about for the last month,” her son said.

After the bell-ringing day had been set, Pennybyrn employees began collecting donations from residents. Then they loaded everyone up in the company van and drove to Betty’s kettle. They all took turns putting the money in the red pot.

“My Christmas is done,” Golden said while wiping the tears away at the sight, “This is the best gift I could have received.”

Betty raised $162.32 in two hours of ringing bells. With her and other bell ringer’s help, The Salvation Army has now raised $45,542.12, with the overall goal being $120,000. Last year, the Christmas Campaign raised $98,396.95 in the High Point area.