Ring Them Christmas Bells

For the past three years, I have volunteered as a Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettles. The kettles, where the money is donated, are securely locked, and only one lady at the bank where it's deposited holds a key. We begin the bell ringing by December first. I work in front of the Kroger store in Rochester, Indiana 1-1/2 hours once a week and often I fill in for someone who can't make it on their assigned day and time for one reason or another. This is so rewarding and a blessing for me.

The object of the kettles is to collect money to benefit any family or individual in the local county who is in need of food and gifts especially during the Christmas season. I believe the Salvation Army is one of, if not the best, non-profit organization of this kind throughout our country.

The bell ringing is well organized. One of our larger churches is involved. Their Pastor, who works with the Salvation Army in our town, sets up and assigns each volunteer a time when they are free to ring the bell. Then another lady who works at a bank is in charge of the money. Most of the workers take their kettles to that bank at the end of their shift. If another worker is taking over, relieving them, that person uses the same kettle if it is not full. Another person helps the Pastor who is in charge. I also pick up some of the bell ringers in the evening or when their time expires, especially the younger ones such as high school students.

One rewarding event that I encountered was an older woman who always came to Kroger's in the local transit bus each Wednesday when I was ringing. She generally sat on a small bench in the foyer waiting for her bus to come take her home. She seemed a little down one day, and I tried to cheer her up, singing Christmas carols and Santa songs.

Since I am involved with the Pocket Testament League, I keep a supply of the pocket Testaments which is the Gospel of John, From the Holy Bible. This is mostly a mail and email communication. The next week, I brought a few of the Testaments with me when I went for my ringing time. I offered one to this lady and she accepted it. I told her to read it, and her burdens would be, or seem lightened. She liked it because it would fit in her purse, so she took it with her. The following week, she was somewhat more cheerful.

There were more incidents where I gave the Testaments to people, and I always had several with me on my shift. Also, since I wear a Santa hat, some children call me Santa Claus. That in itself is rewarding for me. The whole service of being a Salvation Army bell ringer is rewarding. It makes me feel like I am helping my neighbors throughout my town and county. It is heart-breaking for me to see or hear of families without enough food, and no gifts or toys for the little ones. I am truly blessed by this contribution of my time and effort.

Sources:

Personal experience