McAlister’s Deli at 10254 Two Notch Road in northeast Columbia provided free cookie gift cards (redeemable for one giant cookie) for each of the 20-plus Richland County deputy sheriffs who rang the bells for the Salvation Army’s kettle campaign this past Christmas season. The deputies, including Sheriff Leon Lott, set a single-day, single-site record for most money raised in the Midlands during the 2021 kettle campaign.
“McAlisters – like so many of our area restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and other like-establishments – frequently demonstrate their appreciation for what we do,” said Sheriff Lott. “We also appreciate them, especially today McAlister’s Deli and their generous way of recognizing our volunteer kettle campaign service to the Salvation Army of the Midlands.”
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department partnered with the Salvation Army of the Midlands in Dec. 2021, raising $1,473.36 in one day at a single store location for the 2021 Red Kettle Campaign.
“Ringing the bells for The Salvation Army is a time-honored Christmas tradition that my staff and I were able to enjoy this past Christmas season,” said Lott. “We truly had a great time getting out, meeting, and talking with all the families, children, and people shopping. To see how many people give, nearly everyone gives, they want to give.”
Founded in 1989 as a chain of “fast-casual” restaurants, McAlister’s has 25 locations in S.C., three of which are in the Columbia area.
– Pictured (from left) are RCSD Sgt. Brittany Hart and Maj. Maria Yturria with nine of the 25 cookie gift cards, Feb. 9, 2022.
