Captain Bryan Farrington and Captain Tonya Farrington relieve retired Major Mark Craddock
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
The Salvation Army of the Midlands’ new area-directors – Captains Bryan and Tonya Farrington – stopped by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s (RCSD) main headquarters, specifically the office of Sheriff Leon Lott, last week, to introduce themselves and thank the Sheriff for RCSD’s record-setting “Christmas kettle campaign numbers” in recent years.
RCSD has participated in ringing the bells for the Salvation Army for five consecutive years. This year, 2026, will mark RCSD’s sixth year ringing.
In 2025, Sheriff Lott and RCSD raised $1,861.42 in a single day in December: A tremendous number considering “any amount over $500 is considered phenomenal” according to Salvation Army officials, a number reiterated during the area commanders’ visit, Thursday, August 20.
Previous years were even higher, even record setting: The amount raised by RCSD during a single day at Walmart in northeast Columbia in 2021 was $1,473. In 2022, RCSD raised $2,349 at the same kettle location. Though the 2023 numbers cannot be confirmed, they also exceeded 2021’s and 2022’s numbers.
Also in 2023, Sheriff Lott received the Salvation Army Bell Ringer Commendation Award at the annual kettle kick-off event at the State House: Presented largely because of RCSD’s records for most money raised by any one organization in a single day at one location for two years running; 2021 and 2022.
Then in 2024, RCSD raised $2,388 setting yet another one-day-one-location record.
In a recorded interview that same year, Sheriff Lott said: “This is something we do every year and it’s a blast. Whatever you give – doesn’t matter if it’s one penny or a thousand dollars – every penny helps. Give what you can. Give a little bit, because you’re giving somebody a lot.” [See – https://vimeo.com/1037598193/704b0a3d4b?]
While visiting RCSD headquarters, the Farringtons were accompanied by Anne Wright, director of development and public relations for the Salvation Army. All were marveling at the sports memorabilia – mostly Gamecock – as well as the trophies and awards in the Sheriff’s office.
Not wanting the new area-commanders to leave empty handed, Sheriff Lott went to a freezer and retrieved several packages of fresh frozen venison, wild pork, and wild pheasant which he presented to the Farringtons.
The Farringtons, both of whom have served for 10 years in the Salvation Army, were recently posted at Salvation Army’s Georgia divisional headquarters in Atlanta. Together, they relieve outgoing (retired) area commander, Maj. Mark Craddock.
Scheduling for the Salvation Army’s bell-ringing locations for the 2026 Christmas season kettle campaign will begin Sept. 1.
Pictured (L-R) Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Salvation Army Director of Development and Public Relations Anne Wright, Salvation Army Capt. Tonya Farrington, RCSD Deputy Chief Maria Yturria, and Salvation Army Capt. Bryan Farrington.
