Our family has been very fortunate over the years, and during the holiday season especially, we like to find ways to give back to the community. We always give a gift to the “Giving Tree” at church; we donate a gift to “Toys for Tots”; and we give to the United Way. This year, my Kiwanis Club, the Hiawatha-CREW Club, decided to volunteer time to the Salvation Army as bell ringers, so Cam and I signed up for a 2 hour time slot. I wanted Cam to know that giving money isn’t the only way to be charitable – that volunteering one’s time is just as integral in helping others as writing a check for a cause.
I wasn’t sure how Cam would react to the idea of standing in 20-degree temps (with a very cold wind) ringing a bell for 2 hours, but I really wanted him to be a part of this tremendous volunteer effort – an effort the Salvation Army started back in 1891. To my surprise, Cam really enjoyed the experience. I was very proud of him for his spirit and eagerness to help. Even when his toes were freezing and he could hardly feel his fingers, he kept ringing the bell and saying, “Thank-you, and have a nice day”.
The experience was very uplifting for me, especially with the downturn in the economy. I was amazed at the generosity of the people who walked by. Many people would dig into their pockets for spare change, but many would go out of their way and deposit anywhere from a few dollars to $20 or more. It was a great example of the true spirit of Christmas.
Cam and I have a new found appreciation for the good people who volunteer their time to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. It may seem like a very small and insignificant thing as you pass one of them by as you enter the warm department store, but when you’re standing out in the cold, fingers and toes frozen, you realize how much of a sacrifice each individual has made over the years. One of the neatest things that happened that day was when a woman came up and bought Cam and I a cup of hot chocolate. She wanted to thank us for our contribution – and I think that made a huge impression on Cam. I know I’ll never forget it.
If you’re looking for a way to give back this Christmas season, and maybe you don’t have the resources to donate monetarily to a charity, I say to you, get out and volunteer. There are many great charities in your community and all of them need volunteers. Ringing the bell for Salvation Army is only one way to help…there are food banks and shelters that need extra help this time of year. Reach out and lend a hand…I guarantee you won’t regret it. In fact, I bet it’s an experience that you’ll never forget.
- the UB
