Ring-A-Ling

This week YNN's Diversity team hosted their annual bell ringing at Crossgates Mall in Guilderland New York. As Diversity Ambassador for News and Local Programming for Time Warner Cable I enjoy working with the local board leaders across the country on initiatives that truly make a difference. Collie White and Leanne Ricchiuti are the Albany leaders and they organize the bell ringing initiative. It's a wonderful chance for our employees to get out in the community and show they care.

Bringing our family members out to participate is a wonderful benefit to the event as well. They enjoy ringing the bell and feel a sense of accomplishment when they can get someone to stop by and drop some change and lots of dollars into the bucket.

This year the Salvation Army's donations are down significantly because most retailers do not allow the buckets to go up until after Thanksgiving. Because Thanksgiving came so late this year- the charitable organization lost out on almost a week of bell ringing. They have even resorted to hiring bell ringers. If you have the time reach out to the Salvation Army and volunteer your time. The money raised goes to supporting their programs to help the less fortunate.

I'm so proud to be a part of an organization that enjoys giving back. It's an honor to work with such genuine people. Thanks to all my co-workers who came out to ring the bell!