First time bell ringer at 86-years old

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - You're never too old to try something new. Just ask one of the oldest Salvation Army bell ringers in Fargo. The story of an 86-year-old first time Salvation Army ringer.

As Estella Kamphaugh rings the familiar red kettle bell, she thanks every donor. She looks like a pro, a bell ringer whose been ringing for years.

"I see a need; I like to respond to it, whatever it might be."

But she's new at this, a rookie ringer moved to volunteer at the age of 86.

"I found some of the literature laying on the kitchen cabinet and I thought, I've always wanted to do this and if I don't do it this year I probably never will."

Eager givers who walk through the door here at Hornbacher's are not only greeted by a friendly smile and holiday cheer. They're welcomed by one of the most seasoned bell ringers."

"I love it! It's fun!"

"She's always pouring out to everybody, she's a giver."

And she's giving back to a group that helped her family decades ago.

"My husband was in California during World War II and wanted to come back for his father's funeral. The Red Cross couldn't help so he got help from the Salvation Army."

So as each donation drops in...

"I'm hoping we'll get this pot filled by the time I get off at three!"

She knows how important each greenback and coin, is. Estella hopes to ring as long as she's able.

Tags: stephanie goetz, salvation army, estella kamphaugh, christmas, charity, fargo