My little contribution

I'm sure you've noticed the Red Kettles sitting outside just about every department store this time of year. But have you looked at them? I mean really looked at the people ringing the bell?

Today I donated an hour of my time to ringing a bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. I stood outside in the cold for an hour ringing that little bell watching people file in and out of our local Wal-Mart. I have 5 children and am not able to donate money, so my time is the next best thing.  But while standing there, something struck me. What do you do when you see those kettles and hear that bell?  Do you smile and say hello? Do you drop a dollar in the kettle and keep right on walking? Or do you duck your head and run, hoping the  bell ringer won't see you trying to skirt by them?

Think about this for a moment. In 2008, the Salvation Army helped more than 30 million people. 30 MILLION!! They have services for everything from disaster relief, to prisoner rehabilitation. Elderly services and youth camps. Personally, I'm still stuck on the 30 MILLION PEOPLE!!

How many people do you think enter any given Walmart store on a daily basis? Thousands? Millions? Maybe even billions! And what do you think would happen if every one of those people put $1 in that little red kettle? Would'nt that be wonderful!  Ok...ok...I know what your thinking.  You're just like me and can't afford the shopping your doing, let alone putting money in the kettle.  Then I say this to you!  Donate your time!! Give an hour out of your life to ring that bell!  Stand in the cold, ring that bell, and smile at everyone who passes you by!

So the next time you pass that person ringing the bell, don't just duck your head and rush on by.  Take the time to say hello, pass them a smile, and if you can, drop a dollar in the kettle.  That person ringing that bell is just like you. They have a busy life and children.  But they have taken an hour to give back to their community.  How will you give back?
http://www.salvationarmy.com/