Horses To Star As Salvation Army 'Bell Ringers' At New Lenox Walmart

NEW LENOX, IL — You might want to put carrots on your shopping list this Saturday. Or sugar cubes. Or peppermints.

Some furry faces will greet shoppers outside the New Lenox Walmart Saturday, Dec. 2, as four-legged Salvation Army "bell ringers." The Will County Trail Riders will bring 10 to 12 of the horses in its club to greet customers. They'll accept donations to the nonprofit—and carrots or other snacks as tips.

The group of trail riders is in its eighth year of partnering with The Salvation Army to raise funds, last year hitting a record amount of $1,100, said Bruce Bochenek, president of the club.

The group will have horses ranging from miniature, to ponies and horses. They'll be outside both doors of the New Lenox Walmart, 501 E. Lincoln Highway, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bochenek said he loves putting the horses in the spotlight.

"This brings the horses out in the open with all kinds of people," he said. "It makes the horses more endearing in their hearts, and that’s the part that I love the best."

Visitors can pet horses, take photos with them behind a cut-out, and feed them treats. Miniature horses will visit the store from 8 to 11 a.m. Horses will come in shifts throughout the day until 6 p.m. They'll be dressed for the occasion—wearing antlers and Christmas colors. People are encouraged to have their phones ready for photos. Bochenek and his wife's own Ben and Boomer will also make an appearance.

Bochenek said the horses have been a huge hit at the store.

"We are the biggest draw that they have for The Salvation Army," he said.

Bochenek said he loves seeing people embrace being around the horses.

"We’ve even had people go into Walmart, buy carrots and bring them back, and give them to us to give to the horses," he said.