‘Tooley the Irishman’ rings bells in Lake City
Say hello to one of the most interesting bell ringers in southern Minnesota.
His name is David Toole, but most people in his hometown of Lake City call him “Tooley the Irishman.” He has a thick muttonchop beard and an even thicker New England accent. Every time he volunteers at a red kettle, he wears a green kilt, a green Santa hat, and a green t-shirt that reads “Fruitcake.”
Toole, 70, has been ringing bells for years and has raised thousands of dollars for The Salvation Army.
“I think The Salvation Army does a lot of good things with their money,” Toole said.
He is correct: The money that Toole raises goes to provide food, clothing, energy assistance, and other important Salvation Army services for people in Wabasha County.
Toole moved to Minnesota from Boston, Mass. in 1976. He spent many years working in the Air Force, and also as a welder for a company that built military submarines.
In addition to bell ringing, Toole supports his community by coaching youth sports and distributing school supplies for kids in need.
Although there are still two weeks left in this year’s kettle season, Toole is already counting the minutes until he can bell ring again in 2020.
“The whole kettle season is just spectacular,” Toole said. “There is no better feeling than after you’re done ringing a bell.” Sign up to ring.
The Salvation Army needs more bell ringers throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. During one two-hour shift, you’ll raise an average of $60 – enough to provide a homeless person with two days of food and shelter. Kettle donations also help The Salvation Army to provide youth programs, family mentoring, disaster relief, addiction counseling, and other valuable services.
Thousands of hardworking families are battling poverty in Minnesota and North Dakota. You can help them win by donating $25 a month or becoming a bell ringer. Join The Salvation Army this Christmas season and #FightForGood.