SHREVEPORT, La. -- Firefighters from Shreveport and Bossier City went head-to-head Saturday in a friendly fundraising competition benefiting The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana.
 
The “Battle of the Bell” was part of the organization’s Christmas in July campaign, challenging firefighters from both departments to see which city could raise the most money.
 
Crews collected donations while ringing bells outside Sam’s Club locations on Youree Drive and Beene Boulevard. The money raised will support The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana’s year-round programs and services for people in need.
 
Julie Allen, director of development for The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana, said community donations help the organization continue providing assistance to families across the region.
 
“We have people coming in our door every single day, either needing a food box, help with utility assistance, coming into our shelter, kids in our youth center,” Allen said. “So every single little bit counts.”
 
Allen said donations are critical to making sure the organization can continue meeting the demand for its services.
 
The Christmas in July fundraiser has been underway for the past two weekends and has reached about half of its fundraising goal. Allen encourages the community to continue to give at www.salvationarmyalm.org/shreveport.