Betty Washington, a Salvation Army bellringer, has fought hardships and handicaps in her life and won.

&uot;She’s really a jewel,&uot; said Van Laurant III, program director of the Adams County Life Skills Center. Laurant mentored Washington at the center.

The goal of the Adams County Life Center, Laurant said, &uot;is to empower our clients to function in society as independently as possible.&uot;

Laurant said Washington did especially well in the Transitional Employment Program, which is designed to &uot;help vocationally disabled people secure entry-level employment.&uot;

&uot;She is the epitome of success in our program,&uot; Laurant said.

Washington now works for the Salvation Army as a red kettle bellringer, a job she treats with great importance.

The Salvation Army helped her out when she was in need.

Her first experience with the Army was after her mother died when she was a little girl. The Salvation Army gave Washington and her brothers toys, clothes and food for Christmas.

&uot;They even picked us up and brought us to a party,&uot; she said.

The Army helped her in 1998 with clothes and food vouchers, and then again in July when they aided her with a $130 light bill.

Washington, a single mother of two, said being a kettle worker is a way for her to give back to the community and to help the Salvation Army do for others what they have done for her.

&uot;It is better to give something back instead of always asking with an empty hand,&uot; Washington said about her experience.

&uot;Volunteering allows me to give something back even though I have nothing materially.&uot;

Washington has not only overcome economic hardships, but she also struggles with scoliosis, a spinal disorder.

Volunteering gives her a sense of accomplishment. &uot;It feels good to know that I can stand up for eight hours even though I have scoliosis.&uot;