My wife and I rang the bell and attended the kettle for a couple hours this afternoon in our town. I had always assumed that the kettles were manned by Salvation Army personnel. Not so, at least not exclusively. A number of individuals and organizations get involved here. Our church volunteered to ring the bells for a couple days this year.
We stood between the doors at our local Walmart. It was an intriguing afternoon of observing people and their reaction to the kettle. I tried to make eye contact with people coming in and either gave them a nod, a smile or a "How are you?" Some acknowledged with a like response. Some wouldn't make eye contact. Some made a point of explaining that they had given previously. Some put in loose change. Some put in $20 bills. All kinds of people gave and didn't give, but seniors seemed most open, friendly and prone to give. I have no idea what all that means.
It was an enjoyable experience: to chat with people I know and don't know, to help out a great cause, to give something back. I found it a great boost to getting some real Christmas spirit. So next time you pass by a kettle be sure to drop something in and give some thought to ringing the bells for an hour or two. You won't be sorry.
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