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Last week I did something I never thought I’d do. In some ways, I even felt bad for the people whose lot it befell every Christmas season:
I stood sentry over a Salvation Army famed red kettle and rang my little bell like there was no tomorrow.
Gifts of ALL denominations are needed and GREATLY appreciated!!
And I loved every minute of it.
It was an uncharacteristically warm December afternoon – near 80 degrees and a balmy breeze – and though it didn’t feel like Christmas on the outside, it sure felt like Christmas and charity and beauty on the inside.
With a favorite story from Emily Freeman’s A Million Little Ways still ringing in my ears, I was the “violinist” offering my gift. I chose to make my bell ringing an artful gift offering, and I was fully present and engaged in the presence of everyone who wasn’t afraid to speak. For two hours, I remained mindful that I’m “an image-bearing poem, called by God to offer myself alive in the world, for God’s glory and the benefit of others.” (p. 165, A Million Little Ways.)
Confession: I have never consciously done anything like that “to the glory of God” and to practice what Emily preached in AMLW made all the difference in the world (anyone who has self-doubted what they have to offer needs to read this book).
Because of my attitude and approach, this small act of service was delight not drudgery.
Unexpectedly, I learned a lot in those two hours, and so I offer you:
10 Things Salvation Army Bell Ringers Want You To Know
1. We aren’t judging whether you give…or not! I’ve always assumed some level of guilt if I didn’t put money in the kettle, that the ringers were judging me. This could not be farther than the truth! Bell ringers actually don’t care if you don’t give (keep reading!!). You don’t have to explain you’ve mailed a check in or that you gave last time, I promise.
2. We aren’t judging how much you give! Have a pocket full of change? Fantastic! Found a dime when you got out of your car? Drop it in! Got a wad of ones you’d like to unload? Bring it! It is not the size of your donation that matters, we’re thrilled with every person who’s willing to give regardless of amount.
3. We love eye contact and a friendly greeting. Speaking to Salvation Army volunteers is a gift in and of itself. We appreciate it. Especially for a lone volunteer, your kind words are good company. A simple “Merry Christmas” or “Thanks for what you’re doing” are perfect acknowledgment.
4. Making eye contact and speaking is not a contract to give. Speaking does not obligate you in any way to contribute. Please don’t not speak because you don’t wish to/aren’t able to put money in the kettle. Remember, no one is judging.
5. We like to hear your stories. Tell us about the time you volunteered. Let us know if you’ve ever benefited from the Salvation Army’s ministries. It reminds us why we’re lending our time to this worthy cause.
6. We notice when you avoid us. We’re staring straight at the parking lot for two hours; we know where you’re coming from and where you’re heading. Really, truly, you don’t have to cut a wiiiiide path to avoid us.
7. You give us great ideas. One man said he always carries a pocket full of change in every denomination–four quarters, five dimes a few nickles and pennies. “That way,” he explained, “You always have what you need when something requires change.” Simple brilliance.
8. Giving teaches your children. The sweetest contributions came from the little ones. Their eyes twinkled. They delighted in the giving. And, if you take advantage of this visual teaching opportunity, you can seed a spirit of generosity in your children that hopefully will last for life.
9. You, too, can volunteer! The Salvation Army would LOVE for you to volunteer! Check out your local operation and let them know your availability. Bell ringing is a fantastic family, friend, youth group or school club activity, but there are other ways to get involved throughout the year.
10. If the bell ringer happens to be a friend of yours and she tells you she has to use the bathroom, for goodness sakes, take the bell out of her hand and relieve her so she can GO! This happened to a friend (who contributed some ideas to this post) who ended up having to wait until her volunteer relief showed up before she could use the restroom. (Note, a reader clarified in comments that all volunteers may take a break if necessary by returning their kettle to Customer Service while they take care of bidness.)
The Salvation Army has been around for over 130 years and it helps people in a number of ways; last year alone it serviced over 30 million people. Its mission is simple: “…to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” What you may not realize is most of your money stays local, to help people in your community; and I read that 82 cents of every dollar goes to direct assistance, not administrative costs.
My real life experience was so positive, I’d like to offer my support for the Salvation Army virtually! :
As you’re planning year-end giving would you please consider making a contribution to my ?
My goal is modest and any amount is welcome. Would you also share my post? If you’re like me, the more you learn about the Salvation Army, the greater your admiration will grow. I had no idea the breadth of support for our local communities until agreeing to volunteer; digging deeper I’ve only grown in my respect for an organization that has faithfully served those in need for over a century.
Thank you in advance . It blesses me, yes, but so much more a people in need.
Your turn: Do you have a story about volunteering for the Salvation Army?
Have you been a beneficiary of their services?
Please share by clicking Comments under the post title and tell us about it!
UPDATED: Heartfelt thanks to all of you who are sharing this post! Every FB Share, Like, Stumble, Tweet (or sharing w/YOUR local Salvation Army) blesses my socks off! I didn’t realize how many misconceptions I had about Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringing until I had the pleasure myself. (And while you’re here, consider subscribing to my blog? It’s free and your subscription is greatly appreciated.)
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OH MY GOODNESS… you pierced me. I’ve seen them out in our cold cold cold.. did I mention cold weather. Next time I’m going to offer “Would you like me to bring you a cup of coffee or cocoa!” Thank you Robin!
Pamela,
It’s amazing to me how much simply volunteering taught me; it changed a lot of my perception….
A family walked out of Walmart today and gave us a package of cookies. There was a crowd of us singing carols as we rang the bell. Those cookies were so appreciated.
Hey Pamela, As a past bellringer I can tell you, you don’t need to ask if the cocoa or coffee would be appreciated or wanted. If it is cold outside, it is a live giving boost to those who ring. You have no idea how much that simple little gift even if you don’t put in the kettle means. I was a 16 year old Corps Cadet of The Salvation Army outside a Target ringing in full uniform(meaning for me it was skirt and hose not pants) on a very cold night that was snowing. A lady that to this day I don’t know her name went in and came out with two cups of hot chocolate. One for me and one for my brother who was with me. It was great. So no need to ask, just do it. Most ringers will politely refuse if you ask before hand, but if you come with it already in hand, they will except it. If cold something hot. If warm something cold.
Im doing my 3rd day bell ringing its rewarding but dont let anyone tell you its easy!! Lol
i love your ten things.
i have just one thing that i want the bell-ringers to know:
1. you can ease up on the just bell a little…a light slow ring is more ap-peal-ing.
Nance,
You’re punny :).
There is member of the Salvation Army who sings and plays his tuba outside a store near me every Christmas season. Sometimes I stop and sing with him. My best friend Ethel and I did this together one year as part of our annual Christmas shenanigans. We dressed up in our reindeer antlers and flashing Christmas necklaces and sang and danced and invited all our friends to drop by and see us. It was a hoot.
When my kids were little, I used to remind them to take change with them when we were out shopping at Christmas time, and I’d tell them to look for the bell ringers (it was an idea I stole from somewhere, I don’t remember where). Now that they’re grown, I get such JOY every time I see my first bell ringer of the season.
So glad you did this. So glad you wrote about it. So glad I’m finally commenting on your brand-y new site and that it’s up and working 🙂
Nancy!!!!
Gracious, woman…now I wish we lived in the same hometown! <3
I love that you did this and I love how much you learned, Robin. I’m glad to know about the not-judging part – I do always feel a pang of guilt if I walk by a ringer and don’t put money in the kettle. I’ve been known to say, “I put some change in over that such-and-such store yesterday!” just so they know I’m not a total scrooge.
And I have to include this link here to a story I wrote this week about my experience with a Salvation Army bell-ringer because it’s just too funny not to (and this is what Deidra was referring to when she said your story reminded her of me – that’s why she winked!: http://michellederusha.com/2013/12/one-small-thing-done-in-slightly-irritable-love/
Everybody who reads my comment thread? YOU MUST GO READ MICHELLE’S POST! It is FABULOUS and FUNNY and a story well told. <3
(love you, Michelle 🙂 )
Big, BIG smile. Oh the antics we adults try to pull … and still call ourselves Christians. How many times have I walked past – pockets empty – mind set on one specific gift because that was simply ALL of the funds that I had available to purchase my children’s gift. And then it struck … the guilt, that nagging remorse, and the agonizing and sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach. And just when was the last time your children received a gift … a few months ago? Maybe their birthday, or a last shopping trip, but surely a gift had been received into open arms … and the scenario certainly wasn’t foreign to them. Hastily I reach into my pocketbook and pull out the two twenty dollar bills that lay folded nicely in the bottom. I stuff them quickly – but happily, almost proudly, into that shiny red bucket … and immediately my heart is lifted, my step is lighter, my soul is more free, my thoughts hold more hope … and I meet the eyes of my Salvation Army bell ringer and meet his smile with mine. Our knowing smiles turn to a warm hug. And then the nearby Sheetz invites us to share warm hot cocoa as we merrily sing along to the Christmas caroles playing over the speakers funneling holiday sounds to the surrounding bustleing shoppers. And for a moment – I am happy to be soaking in the grace of His meaning of the Christmas holiday. Blessed be.
Wow, Tami…THAT is a beautiful telling. Thank you for taking time to share. 🙂
yes! yes! & YES! especially the “we see you” & “we’re not judging you” We really just want to share some joy & provide opportunity for others to share in the blessing of the season
When I was newly married my husband and I gave our Christmas gift budget to Salvation Army. We made little bell ringers ornaments and gave those to everyone on our list with a card explaining that a donation had been made in their honor. That was a special Christmas <3
Dee,
I might not have appreciated that so much when I was a kid, but as an adult WHO DOESN’T NEED ANYTHING? I absolutely love it. Good for you and your hubby :). What a wonderful gift of the season….
I bet you were the best darn bell ringer that side of the mason-dixon line. Because you are infectious. <3 <3 <3
Erika,
That’s one of my favorite things anyone has ever said about me. <3
Robin,
So glad you had the chance to be a bell ringer. I did that once in front of Sears at the local mall on a cold blustry night. It was fun & yes we ringers enjoy talking with you no matter if you give or not.
Giving is more rewarding than receiving. I always try to have some change & drop it into the red kettle. I know it pleases God for me to give what I can when I can as often as I can.
Beth,
Isn’t giving cheerfully so much fun?
Love that you had the chance to do this! Great insights here.
Leigh,
I didn’t go in realizing how much insight I’d gain; I’m better for having discovered these things :).
From now on I will ALWAYS make eye contact and smile at them.
Karmyn,
THAT alone makes this post so worth having written. Love it!
This is my fourth year as a bell ringer for The Salvation Army and it really does mean A LOT when people return my salutation, smile, or blessing!
Love that you’ve volunteered four years, Jennifer :).
I love this!! As a kettle worker and volunteer, however, on #10 I was instructed that if a break is needed to take the kettle to the service desk.
Such an important thing to know! Hopefully Robin will add that into her piece.
As far as the customer service desk, most places will allow this but there are a few who do not. I rang bells for 5 years and loved it. I got out and had a boombox and then sang to the music. It was an amazing experience!!!!!
Suzannah, I’ve now seen the “dancers”; if I could carry a tune, I’d do that…but I can dance. I might look like Elaine Benis, but it would definitely entertain :).
When I was a little girl, I believe my dad instilled in me the gift of service to others. He played a huge role in The Salvation Army all year long, but especially during the Christmas season! It was brilliant how he motivated my siblings and I to want to be involved as well. I remember ringing the bells while standing next to my father at the Salvation Army kettle every year. He would also let us help distribute food and toys to the needy in the small town where we lived. It was quite the eye-opener to be able to lead the precious families through the large Salvation Army gym during the holidays, in order for them to be able to have Christmas as well! Still can’t pass by a red kettle during the Christmas season without giving a donation and having that memory of being a part of something so great, even though I was so small……
April,
What a precious legacy. What a wonderful father you have :).
I rang for the 1st time, by myself 2 years ago for 4 hours. Last year, I wanted my church to be a blessing & volunteered us for an entire day(10am-8pm). I was there all but 45 minutes & loved watching all the people who came by. I too, agree with this article about giving. I wanted the 1st Saturday they had to ring, which was the weekend before Thanksgiving, so it would be ‘warm’, at least that was my plan. It was cool & cloudy & when the sun went down, earlier than before-4 ish, it got cold! I told my friend who was there ringing with me, “It’d be nice if someone would bring us some hot chocolate about now, huh?.” So, that sparked an idea. Beginning that next weekend, on Fri. & Sat. nights, until they finished the Kettle season, we drove our church van around our town, Fort Smith, Arkansas, to deliver hot chocolate & homemade cookies to the Bell Ringers in appreciation of what they were doing & for the ’cause’ behind them–the Salvation Army. So , once again this year, I chose the same Saturday, hoping for ‘warm’ weather, just to encounter the high of 42 degrees for the day!!!!! I was there from 9:50am-8:30 pm, with my 10 years old daughter, who stayed about 6 of these hours. I never warmed up all day, was dressed like a polar bear, had cinnamon rolls brought to us from a friend, the donut lady gave our group the ‘left over ones ‘ that she would have thrown away, & my husband brought me aSweet Bay mocha!!!!! To our delivery service not only do we have hot chocolate & homemade cookies to give, my daughter wanted to add hot apple cider to out list. This year has been worse than many others, the weather has been ice & snow, so 2 days of ringing was canceled. But we are now back on track with our ‘Bringing a cookie, cocoa, & a smile’ to all the volunteers & paid workers & telling them thanks for what they are doing, may God bless & to have a Merry Christmas!!!!! Our church loves the Salvation Army & all their efforts for our community. Thanks for the article. God bless each who serve in His name!! We live For His Glory!!!
Angie G.
Oh, Angie–THIS is such a sweet ministry. It is no small thing to consider all those volunteers standing for hours in the cold. I didn’t think about how good I had it; I’m afraid NEXT year I’m in for a big change!
Thank you for your wonderful comments and suggestions. I happen to be a 5th gen “Salvationist” who rang the bell for the first time at age 10. I begged my dad to let me go out alone. He finally acquiesced. Though he hid in the car in the far end of the parking lot. That was in Puerto Rico. In HS I rang outside a mall in NJ. One day my friend and I were so cold, we swapped back and forth in 5 min. shifts.
For the last 25 years, I’ve been responsible for those volunteers who go out and ring. There are no adequate words of thanks that can be expressed to those who volunteer and those who give. My current “small” operation has approximately 15-20 kettles out 6 days a week. Volunteers make ALL the difference!
I had just come back from closing a couple kettles down for the night and came across your blog. Again, thank you.
Linda,
To hear these stories of long-time service? Wow…just WOW. The person who asked me to ring is over two different locations, I guess throughout the season. Managing 15-20 kettles??? Small?? I’d hate to see what BIG is!
Thank YOU for what you’ve done all these years. A beautiful example to many.
My first real experience with The Salvation Army was in 1997 while working the Falmouth, KY flood.
I was working a claim when the Canteen truck pulled up at the corner near where I was working. After a few minutes, I walked over to buy a cup of coffee and was told that I couldn’t pay for it. I tried to explain that I wasn’t a victim of the flood but was an Insurance Adjuster working a claim. The gentlemen in the truck quickly stated that the fact that I was there in those miserable conditions made me a victim. Not only did I get a cup of coffee but also a boxed lunch.
I tried to make a donation and they would not accept it. They are not allowed to take any money while they are on site.
In the days that followed, I began to research the Salvation Army and the good they do. In the years since that event, I find that I cannot pass a red kettle without making a donation. I don’t care if it’s ten times a day.
God Bless The Salvation Army and all their volunteers.
Rod,
What a wonderful experience; thank you for taking time to share YOUR story!
As a member of The Salvation Army.Thank you,for standing!
Dorothy,
The pleasure was mine (but next year I’ll wear more comfortable shoes!!) 🙂
Hey, saw this post on pinterest. Just wanted to let you know that The Salvation Army isn’t as nice as you think. They actively turn people away due to sexual orientation or gender identity. The only way to get help is if you sign a paper that says you will no longer be gay. No matter what religious beliefs you have, a company that declares itself a non-profit that helps all people should not be turning people away due to religious beliefs. Churches are generally classified as non-profits and you don’t even see them turning people away into the cold.
I love that you spent your time giving and had a great experience, but there are better organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Humane Society that need help.
Ashleigh
I know from experience and their mission statement that this is not true. The Salvation Army does not discriminate in their hiring practices nor when helping people in need. They do not care what a person’s orientation is or even ask when providing assistance to them.
This is definitely NOT true. I know it is a rumor going around Facebook and it is very harmful to The Salvation Army. But as a lifelong Salvationist and a retired employee of The Salvation Army, I can definitely tell you they do not discriminate against your race, sexual preference or religion. I have worked in their welfare department and during their Christmas season taking applications for assistance. Anyone who asks (and meets the income guidelines) can receive assistance from The Salvation Army.
Renee and Leeann,
Thank you for jumping in the comment thread to share this information; I almost didn’t moderate Ashleigh’s comment, but I believe it’s important to share it in the heart of full disclosure and not censoring people who disagree with me. That being said, it’s not what I’ve seen, either. I have reached out to the national PR contacts for Salvation Army, but emails aren’t going through; I’d love for someone “official” to comment (anyone have connections out there????) 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hi Ashleigh,
Thanks for reaching out. I was genuinely concerned about your comment, not finding this to be true in my experience. I reached out on both the local and national level, and this is what I’ve learned.
Recent online rumors have been leading people to believe that The Salvation Army does not serve members of the LGBT community. These accusations simply aren’t true. In fact, the organization has made blatant attempts to debunk the lies (see more here: http://goo.gl/WWnYgU) while stating that anyone who wishes to receive service, fellowship, volunteer or find employment with The Salvation Army will be welcomed, regardless of sexual orientation or any other factor.
The Salvation Army is a church in addition to being one of the largest social service organizations in the world. This puts it under harsher scrutiny than other non-profits or churches. The organization has proven to be responsive and proactive when one of their millions of employees or volunteers does or says something inappropriate, but most importantly they cling to their mission of meeting just about every human need in every zip code of the U.S.. And since donations stay in the communities in which
they’re collected, rejecting their Red Kettles at your local grocery store means you’re simply harming your community neighbors in need, not the organization from the top-down.
I encourage you to learn more about The Salvation Army’s strong stance against discrimination at the link above or about the organization on their national site: http://www.SalvationarmyUSA.org.
Thanks again.
~ Robin
As an employee of The Salvation Army in Jackson, Mississippi – an area that is just warming up to the LGBT community – I was very pleased to read this blog post and this discussion. By allowing people to share these negative rumors, we in turn see that people who have actually had experience at The Salvation Army immediately stand up and say “from experience this is not true.”
I encourage everyone that believes these rumors to be true to go to your local Salvation Army and ask for a tour. They will be happy to give you a tour to educate you on what all The Salvation Army does for your community.
Thank you so much for this amazing article, Robin! Would you mind if I shared this on our blog closer to Christmas time? I will of course connect your site.
Hi Kristen! I was so grateful to receive a response from the Salvation Army; I debated removing negative comments, but only for a moment. It’s more true to let them stand and invite a discussion and opportunity for response.
I’d be honored for you to share this article :). My enthusiasm is obvious, yes? Wonder if I’ll get another balmy day to volunteer THIS year!! 🙂
i have been doing this for the longest time, the kids are the best. after they put the donation in, i ask them to ring the bell and get a high five from them. it lightens my 5hr shift. the cold is not bothersome if you are dressed for it, layers, unless you wear carharts, think wind-resistant gloves and strong boots to keep you on your feet.
i stand kettle at tiffany springs, mo in front of J C Penney, instead of ringing the bell, i open the doors for the customers
“Stand kettle” — I LIKE that way of expressing it, Greg :). My location had automagical doors, so your job would’ve been easy. And yes! To letting those littles ring the bell! THAT brought a heart-warming smile and it was a small, simple gesture. To seed a giving spirit, a little bell can do wonders, huh? 🙂
Tips for cold-weather ringers: Take along a carpet square to stand on, putting a layer between you and pavement. Also, put a small ruler in your pocket so you can use it to poke down dollar bills, should you get many of them.
BRILLIANT, Jill!! I looked around to see if I saw something narrow enough to shove bills in, and your idea of a small ruler is perfect! Thank you for adding that! And I can see the wise counsel of a small carpet square; I didn’t need it, but on a blustery day, I would’ve been thankful for that tip!
love this! my interactions with bellringers always make me cry … each year I get to ‘know’ a specific person and discover quickly that we have so much in common
http://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2013/12/all-choked-up.html
thanks, Robin, for an inside look. may your advent weekend be blessed, even as you have blessed others!
We’ve volunteered as a family to ring the bell every year for the last three years. It’s the highlight of our holidays!! We have four kids (11, 9, 7, and 3) and they love ringing the bell. My 3yo came up with a cheer this year: “what do we need? Coins!!”. Our local Salvation Army doesn’t want too many people at the bell at one time, so my husband takes 2 of the kids and does Random Acts of Kindness for an hour and then we switch. Loved your top ten, they are perfect!
Good information, thank you! I just didn’t know some bell ringers were volunteers. I know people who were paid to do that, and the pay was decent (above minimum wage).
Thank you for this post! My 4 year old and 8 year old and I volunteered this week for the Salvation Army. My oldest has been doing this as a service project for his school the past 4 years as well. From these experiences I have learned to MAKE EYE CONTACT & SMILE if nothing else. Even if you don’t want to contribute to the cause, be polite to the people who are giving of their time. A simple smile or nod blesses and encourages those workers. So many people walk by like they don’t see you.
At our Wal Mart there is a volunteer who sings joyously, out of tune. I loved it!
Thanks for sharing your story — it’s inspiring. Thank you also for the book recommendation, it sounds like a great one.
Merry Christmas!!
That was a great post. However, many of the bell ringers this year did not say Merry Christmas, but said Happy Holidays. They are trying not to offend, but I find the Happy holiday thing very offensive, sad and scary that people can’t think for themselves. So, I did not give any money to the bell ringers. I did buy them Christmas candy in the store and gave it to them on my way out with a Merry Christmas.
My daughter was a bell ringer for a sorority one winter. She said the poorest loooking people were the biggest givers. She said a really poverty stricken looking lady with a little boy came out with gloves for her cause she thought my daughter looked chilly. All this made a huge good impression on her.
However, I recently discovered Salvation Army donates to abortion. I don’t understand abortion, how a civilized people can kill little babies. Kinda put me off Salvation Army.
Robin: I stumbled on your post when looking for something else, and it so caught my attention, that I had to stop and read it. I am a veteran Salvation Army Officer (just celebrated my 20th anniversary in this ministry) and have been a “bell-ringer” since I was 12 years old. Thanks for writing this post and reminding people about the importance of this ministry. Yes, it is a ministry even though it is technically our biggest fundraiser of the year. We once had a bell-ringer who prayed the prayer of salvation with someone right at the kettle. We have heard stories of how The Salvation Army touched a life, and that individual “pays it back (and forward)” when they drop a donation into the kettle. Yes, the bell can get annoying, but it’s that bell that draws attention to the need of so many voiceless people in our communities around the country. Robin, thanks again for this post, and also for your willingness to volunteer. I appreciate you and the “Army” of volunteers who stand with us. We couldn’t do all that we do without the support of our volunteers who minister with us. Blessings!
Great post. I stood kettles with my dad as a little kid and then for many years as I got old enough. The last several years that I stood, instead of ringing the bell I would play Christmas Carols on my cornet. I want to reply to one of the things you said: #10 – Please be sure this is ok with the Corps you are working with. Most of the time they may not allow someone they are not familiar with to take your place. As previously stated, you can leave your kettle with the customer service desk if you need a break. ~~~ Thanks for volunteering!
I have experienced a lot of the things the salvation army does for the local communities have also been in need of their services have volunteered for them have enjoyed their church service I can’t think of a better organization that gives back to the communities in the children (Belmont County) Ohio
The bell ringers, especially the hyper ones that sound like burglar alarms, stress me out. Can’t they get more mellow people, and give them tambourines, or something?
Or how about silence? Silence is good. It’s not like we can’t see the big Salvation Army sign and bucket placed within 2 feet of the only entrance to the store.
Unfortunately for me, many sounds (like bell ringing) are physically painful for me. I just wish the bell ringers would understand that I’m plugging my ears for a really good reason, and that getting in my face and ringing the bell even louder is not really helping their cause. I’ve had to restrain myself from being an item on the evening news in those cases. I know I’m the statistical outlier, but I wish the bell ringing would stop because there’s no escape for me. Everywhere I go in those times I hear the bells — for more than a month. I often donate at the register, but never when I’m about to double over in pain because of the damned bells.
Hank-
If a bell ringer gets in your face please contact your local Salvation Army and let the officer know. The bell ringers are instructed to respect when someone asks them to quit ringing as they walk past or if they notice someone is uncomfortable with the noise.
The issue cannot be resolved if you don’t let the officer know.
Robin-
I’ve loved reading this post every year since it was published. The Salvation Army loves hearing Bell Ringer’s stories and we so appreciate every person that helps!
Ally — I told the store manager what happened. If the store is going to insist on the bell ringers, then it’s the store’s responsibility to manage them. Why should I have to do someone’s oversight job for them?
Hank-
If you ever have a need, The Salvation Army will be there for you and you may feel differently about the bells. Fortunately for you, you may never need their services but for others who rely on bell ringing, specifically families in transitional housing, the homeless and hungry in your community, it makes a life or death difference. Inconvenience for the sake of compassion and meeting the immediate needs of others. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I will like to help and ring the bell
#6: Be aware that some people may be doing this because they suffer from social anxiety. Ringers have been so insistent on calling me out and giving me hawk-eye looks that I pretty much avoid any stores that have them. Thanks for that.
Oh, gosh, Jenn…I have NEVER called anyone out, and this is an important comment you make. Thank you. I have people in my life who have struggle with social anxiety. The reverse of this is what has changed me, meaning I will look bell ringers in the eyes and say a cheery “hello” especially if I have NO cash or change (which is often the case…). Appreciate your making this point.
I bell ring this year and when little kids come up to the little I give them a candy cane and boy do there eyes light up