Holiday time is a wonderful time of year…
Thursday, December 21st, 2006 | General
The best part of this time of year is to see all of the good will that happens in the community and around by the haves for those that are the have nots.
So in the spirit, I decided to sign up to volunteer as a Salvation Army Kettle Bell Ringer. What better way to experience the simple joys of the season then encouraging others to give a little spare change to the Salvation Army. I decided to volunteer at the local Fred Meyer, close to home. It was astounding to see the social economic diversity that came and went. I was inside the atrium so, I was guarded by any wintery conditions, which was nice. With my santa cap, and my jingle bells, which were far eaiser on the ears than the usual kettle bell, I got a lot of appreciated remarks. 
I noticed that more women than men gave. The men who did give liked to ask me questions about what I was doing there and when I would be back. It was flattering. The children were always giving me big smiles and some even asked if I was Mrs. Clause. I said I was a helper elf, and that my ears were hidden by my cap and it was too cold to take my cap off to show them. But, I would send them a message to Santa about how good they were being. They would usually get some change from their momma or papa and come over and put it in the kettle. It was like a disneyland ride for them, but the best part was putting change in the kettle for nothing in return but a huge “That’s so nice of you, Thank you so much” and “Merry Christmas” from me.
I even got a hug from a gentleman who I would say was a bit on the mentally challenged side but it was the genuineness of their affection and huge smile that delighted me.
The Salvation Army band came up for a bit and played some holiday songs which gave me a break to get my most favorite of holiday beverages during this season, egg-nog latte from the mega coffee place that exists on just about every street corner there is, and since it was so incredibly convenient, which says something about their success, I had to have one, besides my tummy needed warming.
Anyway. It was incredibly rewarding and I enjoyed every second and would do it again. The four hours there, just dashed away like dasher and prancer. The best was finishing up the evening by going and meeting R. at one of our favorite haunts, Rose & Thistle, where I warmed up with a delicious and comforting black & tan.
And to all a good night.
1 Comment to Holiday time is a wonderful time of year…
That’s awesome. Beck and I almost always drop something into the SA kettles at Target or Safeway or wherever. Personally, I’m more inclined to give if they’re outside braving the elements, but that’s pretty rare these days, and not really all that fair.
If you didn’t see SNL this past weekend, you may get a kick out of one of the sketches if they have it on YouTube or something, having done the bell-ringer thing. Hee hee!
December 21, 2006