Ding-a-ling

The exact date in December fails me, but a couple of weeks ago, I volunteered with my coworker to stand and ring the ever so familiar holiday Salvation Army bell. I thought that ringing the bell would be a good opportunity to serve in the community. Plus, it might make up for all of the times in years past when I would go in the exit door at the grocery to avoid the bell ringers at the entrance.

I've lived here in Minnesota for almost my entire life. You'd think that I'd be prepared to stand outside in single digit weather for two hours. I'm here to let you know, that thought is wrong. I had to make a trip to Target late the night previous to buy mittens and a winter hat because all I had were leather gloves and a fashion hat (that didn't cover my ears).

Tina (my co-worker) and I stood outside of our local grocery store, in front of a mini-forest of wreaths, garland, and tree tops. We took turns ringing that little bell and trying desperately to make eye contact with as many people as possible (cause that's how you get them!). We wished everyone happy holidays and did our best to let our smiles show through our voices (because our mouths were covered by our scarves).



All in all, I think that we did all right. Most people who walked by popped in a buck or so, and a good handful of people stuffed higher bills into the kettle. It was nice to see the generosity.