For many of the Salvation Army’s bell ringers Friday may have been just another night of giving back. But for first time volunteer Lena Wise giving back was an opportunity she’s been waiting on for two years.

“The more people that help, the better off the community will be,” said Wise.

But two years ago, Wise was the one who needed help.

“One year I lost everything, I didn’t know what I was going to do at that point,” said Wise.

Wise turned to the Salvation Army. They helped pay for her utilities and donated Christmas presents to her kids.

“It’s a nice experience to know that you have somebody that’s there to help,” said Wise.

In a better place this year, Wise volunteered for the first time on Friday.

“It’s the best thing ever,” said Wise.

Wise says it’s all about sharing something money can’t buy, the most important thing she says she received when she was struggling: hope.

“The hope that they put into people’s soul, they know that somebody’s there to help and willing to give them that hope to know that they’re there,” said Wise.

For more information about how you can get involved with the Salvation Army, click here.