‘Tis the season of giving or being asked to give.
Bins are set up in restaurants for guests to donate toys for children who might not otherwise have a happy holiday.
Stores ask shoppers to round up the cost of their purchase for non-profit donations.
Holiday party invites include requests for unwrapped toys.
The Angel Tree at my church is decorated with Santa lists.
Flyers posted in my office building read: “Just $20 sponsors a child and provides 1-2 toys, an educational item or book and a pair of socks.” A few days ago, over 100 Cox Enterprises employees helped The Empty Stocking Fund prepare for distribution of toys and books to families.
The need, desire and encouragement to give to others – whether it’s through your time, talent or cash — is a part of the season and the holiday.
My first memory of a holiday charity is the Salvation Army red kettle.
The ways to give have become sophisticated, but the red kettle is an old-fashioned constant. “Red kettle has been a traditional part of the American Christmas experience,” said Salvation Army Major Todd Hawks, metro Atlanta area commander.
The campaign dates back to the 1890s in San Francisco. An idea to collect donations for the poor in a pot with a sign that read “Keep the Pot Boiling” became a nationwide effort.
I must admit, I had it pretty easy the day I volunteered to ring the bell for the annual red kettle campaign.
It was unusually warm outside and I was working alongside a volunteer with a big personality and an even bigger heart.
When I showed up at the Chamblee-Tucker Road Walmart for my shift, I was greeted by Walter Long. Long, a Salvation Army volunteer who does drop-off and pick-up of the kettles, had been on his shift since 11 that morning. He’s there with Jeff Wheeler who is working another door. Most holiday volunteers work two- or four-hour shifts, but Long is not just a holiday volunteer. He’s committed to giving as much time to the Salvation Army as he can. He said he does it because he’s so impressed by the work of the organization and its leaders. “They’re rebuilding lives,” he said.
I could hear Long from the parking lot as I pulled up: “Merry Christmas sir. Have a good day ma’am. Welcome. God bless you. Feliz Navidad. Buenos Noches. Thank you. You’re an angel. Merry Christmas…”
It seemed like Long, who is fluent in Spanish, didn’t take a breath.
He handed me a red Salvation Army apron and a bell. There were two big rules: don’t touch the money (let people put it in the kettle themselves) and smile. “Some of these people are stressed and you may be the first person today to give them a smile or hello,” said Long. “You have a pretty smile, just be happy and smile, make eye contact and speak to everybody.”
About 20 minutes into it, Long tells me I’m a natural.
As shoppers pass by, I can see that some are reluctant to speak. When Long or I yell “have a good day,” some turn back to make a donation.
Some people have their donation in hand as they approach the store. Then there are those who rush by looking straight ahead. They don’t speak even if spoken to. I’m bothered by that, but it matters none to more experienced and optimistic bell ringers. “They may be going through something or had a rough day,” Long says. “Just keep smiling.”
It’s not an exact science, but Long is convinced that people donate three times more when leaving the store.
Some hand their money to Long, but he encourages them to “roll it into a stick” and put it in the kettle. The most touching moments are when kids beg their parents for money to put in the kettle. The children express so much excitement giving. It makes my smile bigger.
I also observe that some people fold their bills slowly into the kettle so that Long and I can see what they’re giving.
“You can’t judge people, you never know who’ll give,” says Long. “It’s refreshing and uplifting. It rejuvenates my faith in humanity.”
That’s it, I thought, that’s what giving does. It uplifts both the giver and the receiver.
The money raised through kettles goes to community services. “While it might be a Christmas tradition, it has year-long impact,” said Hawks.
Over 12,000 children are served at Christmas, but the money also goes to other efforts such as homeless shelters, children’s programs, food pantries, financial assistance for struggling families and “basic human needs.”
The Salvation Army may not be the charity you support. There are plenty others that fill a void.
This is just one opportunity to give from your time or wallet. The key to giving is to remember that the needs don’t disappear after the holidays. And the lesson I learned bell ringing: sometimes just giving a smile can make a difference.
