My brother started bell ringing for the Salvation Army about
ten years ago. Dave is a friendly guy and has no problem talking to strangers,
so it was an easy fit for him. Once he realized how much he liked it, he
decided to have some fun and asked his wife to make him a Santa suit. He usually
starts growing a beard in July so by the time the Christmas season rolls around
he looks like the real thing—even the belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly
is real.
But he didn’t stop there. He bought an elf costume for each
of his two adult daughters, Becky and Katie, and at least one accompanies him
on every shift.
Not only does Dave have a lot of fun, but by the time his
shift is over, his kettle is full, too.
 |
| Katie, Dave and me at Cub Foods in Forest Lake, Minnesota |
A couple years ago, he started asking me to help out and I
promised that I would do it once I retired. I am retired now and this is my second year of
bell ringing. Our usual spot is in front of a busy grocery store. Our favorite
shift is the day before Thanksgiving. Dave rings the bells (one in each hand)
and I hand out candy canes to everyone who donates. I am amazed at how generous
people are—many people stuff $5, $10 and $20 into the kettle. Some people hand us
cups of hot coffee and others simply thank us for volunteering.
I can see why Dave likes it so much. On the upside, you meet
a lot of interesting people while working for a good cause. On the downside, you’re
on your feet for several hours, it takes perseverance when the temp drops, but
all-in-all, it really is a rewarding experience.
~~~
USA Today bestselling author, Denise Devine has had a passion for books since she discovered
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder in second grade. She wrote
her first book, a mystery, at age thirteen and has been writing ever since.
You can visit Denise at her website at www.deniseannettedevine.com or her Amazon author page at https://amazon.com/author/denisedevine
I ring the bell every Christmas too. It's a chilly but heartwarming experience. So many people say thank you!
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