What I Learned Ringing the Bell

You might be surprised at what you can see and hear while ringing the Christmas Bell for the Salvation Army. These last two weeks, I saw hundreds of people going in and out of our local Walmart, all coming within just a few feet of my Salvation Army Bell and Red Kettle. Soon after I started ringing the bell, a few people stopped to chat, and it was then that I realized that I had a great opportunity to learn some new things. I found that I was in the presence of authentic people living life, who were wanting and striving toward the best life they could create for themselves and their loved ones. Let me share with you a few insights garnered from the people I was lucky enough to meet.

I saw a 60-ish daughter with her 85-ish mom carefully making their way into the store. Mom had a cane in one hand and a firm grip on her daughter's arm with the other hand, slowed down by an ankle that was obviously a bit off center. Clearly, Mom and daughter were on the same page, fighting together to preserve every bit of freedom and mobility Mom could possibly retain.

Several people came out of the store befuddled, as they had no recollection of where they had parked their vehicles. None of them was upset — just amused to be facing another little hill to climb in the pursuit of a well lived life. One clever gentleman had an app on his phone to help him locate his car.

Many years ago my local Sam’s Club had the same S/A bell ringer year after year. I always dropped in a few bucks and wished him a Merry Christmas.

One year he and I got to talking. He actually lived 75 miles away in Austin. But came to San Antonio to volunteer for the Salvation Army. I asked him why? He said this is where they needed him and he was happy to meet friends like me again every year.

Then he told me the story of how Salvation Army saved his life. How they rescued him from a life of drug and alcohol dependency.

Donate to the Salvation Army. I know I do.

There's an elderly guy in my senior softball group who was helped out by the SA a few years ago. He had left Michigan to go live with his brother in Texas and we all chipped in to give him money for bus fare and spending money. Not one word of thank you from him.

The following winter he decided to come back to Michigan with no place to stay and only enough money to buy a bus ticket. One of our group picked him up at the bus station in downtown Detroit and since Jimmy had no place to stay, he was taken to the Salvation Army downtown where he was allowed to stay for a week. All he did was complain about them, one of the complaints being they did not allow him to wear a cap inside their facility...........

He's a worthless POS who has never thanked any of us for all the generosity he has been extended. And that includes the several guys he depends on to pick him up and bring him to softball and then take him home to the senior center where he lives.

Too bad he didn’t stay longer in Texas. We are a friendly state. Maybe he could have learned decent life skills here and could have changed his attitude.

Not knocking Michigan or nothing, but WHO? Who leaves Texas in winter to go back to Michigan.

Poor Soul.

Too bad he didn’t stay longer in Texas.

That's what we've been saying ever since he returned......

Maybe he could have learned decent life skills here and could have changed his attitude.

Rumor has it you guys kicked him out.........LOL!

Man yea most of those are definitely hating on the Salvation Army. Funny though, there's several there that say they've been helped and they like the organization. There's even a few voices of reason(ish):

128. This thread is pitting groups against each other.

Just read the replies - there's a lot of people who have either been helped by the SA or know someone who's been helped. They obviously have done good things and telling people to not donate due to their views on gays openly hurts the people who receive that funding. So, you're basically saying: pick a side - you either love the gays or you hate 'em if you give. I've even seen people say they give to animal rights groups over the SA. Cool - but how does that help those who are homeless or down on their luck?

The truth of the matter is that in many communities, especially smaller ones, the SA is often the only hope for those who are struggling. If it's not the SA, it's another religious organization - whether it's the Catholic soup kitchens or the Mormon welfare squares. Do we not give to them, too, because of their stances?

Does that really help a community more than it hurts another?

Maybe if liberals could start something as equally strong as the SA - something as large with the fundraising capabilities - you know, an alternative, then we could give to them, instead. But the problem is that there isn't anything equal to the SA ... not unless you're looking at local churches, potentially Catholic charities, and DU doesn't agree with them, too. So, instead of telling people to not give to the SA, put that energy and $$$ into starting something that can take its place. Because, from what I can tell, there really isn't anything comparable in the charity game nationally to the SA ... and certainly nothing like that with liberal roots.

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