QUINCY (WGEM) – For many, the holiday season arrives with the ringing of Salvation Army bell, but shoppers at the Quincy Walmart were also greeted with another sound.
Xavier Richardson, 15, joined several friends to play popular Christmas carols on the violin and greet shoppers this morning, all in an effort to give back to his community.
For the third straight year, Richardson adopted a Salvation Army Kettle and invited his friends help him raise funds.
“I wanted to do something for the community, and there’s not a lot of things that a kid can do by themselves, and this is just one of the things I could do locally,” he said.
The Quincy High School sophomore believes volunteering is the best way to kick off the holiday season.
“I hate to see people without stuff for Christmas, that just really sucks,” Richardson explained. “And I’m glad that we’re able to raise so much more money when we play instruments and we can just give a lot more.”
Last year Richardson and company raised more than $1,100 to provide food, clothes and shelter for local residents.
This year, he’s aiming for $1,500.
Richardson’s efforts at the kettle and on the strings garnered the attention of Quincy Mayor Linda Moore, who stopped by to encourage him and his friends.
At the end of the day, Richardson hopes other students are inspired to give back, regardless of their age.
“I mean we are the future of the world, so I think it’s really important that we start early, so that later on it’s going to be way easier for us to help others,” he explained, later adding, “It doesn’t take a lot of effort to help somebody out, so I think everybody should put in a little bit.”
Anyone interested in adopting a kettle or ringing the bell can call the Salvation Army at 217-222-5762.
Copyright 2025 WGEM. All rights reserved.