photo by Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph Andre Thompson of Tyler rings a bell for the Salvation Army outside of Walgreens at Rieck Rd. and South Broadway Tuesday. Thompson is competing in the 2013 Salvation Army World Record Bell Ringing Contest and hopes to break the record of ringing the bell for 80 hours straight.

A Salvation Army bell ringer was still clanging away in Tyler on Wednesday in hopes of setting a record.

Meanwhile, the bell tolled for some competitors Wednesday, including Quinton Green in Handford, Calif., Captain Emily Jones in Compton, Calif., and Lt. Rob Lawler in Helena, Mont.

In Tyler, Andre “Exalt” Thompson started ringing the bell at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Thompson is ringing outside the Walgreens on Rieck Road and South Broadway Avenue.

Donations are pouring in as visitors stop to wish him well.

Volunteers were still needed to help witness the contest, which could continue through Friday.

Shifts in two- to four-hour increments are available.

Thompson hopes to not only break the record of hours rung, but also exceed the amount of money raised last year, which was more than $4,000.

He was about a quarter of the way to reaching his financial goal as of late Wednesday.

“I want to continue to do my part in fighting poverty and homelessness,” he said, according to a news release. “Thanks to The Salvation Army and my Lord for continuing to put me where I need to be in order to help.

“This is a national event, which means possibly hundreds, thousands or millions could be touched and moved to help others or help The Salvation Army help others.”

As this year’s contest continues, the community is encouraged to make donations at the Walgreens kettle as well as online at www.onlineredkettle.org/exalt.

They are also encouraged to like the page on Facebook or follow on Twitter with #RingItOn and leave an encouraging word for Andre.

Those interested in volunteering to help supervise the event may contact Chantel Millin at 903-283-8626.