As you may know, the Salvation Army has built and supports hundreds of schools and hospitals in 133 countries.
This 150 year old non-profit Christian organization is more visible this time of year with all the bell ringers standing next to the red kettles positioned in front of the stores you frequent.
Discovering how the ‘red kettle campaign’ profoundly impacts the local food pantries, soup kitchens, and after-school programs in each community in which those dollars are collected made me want to do more than drop a few bucks in the bucket this year.
So, I volunteered to ring the bell at a Walmart not far from where I live in metro Denver.
Standing for hours outside a big box retailer wearing a red apron over my parka on a very cold morning is certainly not glamorous. It requires no special skill or advanced training, and tomorrow the high temperature will reach a balmy 2 degrees below zero, so it’s not very fun.
That being said, when you’re standing next to a red kettle gently ringing a bell — and a total stranger approaches to drop money in that kettle– and then actually thanks you for reminding them of the importance of giving to those less fortunate …well, that immediately takes the sting out of the chilly air and warms you up.Believe it or not, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army has quickly become the best part of my day. It brings me closer to the Lord and makes me even more grateful for the amazing abundance He has blessed me with.
I’ve gained a new perspective from my tiny, minuscule part in this massive annual fundraising effort. Along the way, I’ve also learned a few important things about myself – and about life in general – that I’m not sure I could have internalized any other way.
Here are 3 takeaways that have hit me over the head and in my heart:
1. I’M TOO JUDGMENTAL – I’ve always fancied myself as a good judge of people. When I started this role several weeks ago, I thought I could spot a generous giver from across the parking lot by the car they got out of and the way that they were dressed. Turns out I’m wrong more that I’m right as the majority of my projected ‘big givers’ walk by without stopping.
It’s the people who drive up in the rusty old station wagons and walk towards the entrance wearing mismatched socks, pajama pants, and stained hoodies that make my jaw drop when they stop at the kettle to donate before going inside. It stuns me even more when they stop once again on their way out to drop in whatever coins or bills they have left from their shopping trip.
2. MORE PEOPLE ARE HURTING THAN EVER BEFORE – This particular Walmart is located in an area of town that is dealing with a rapidly expanding transient and homeless population. As a result, I am routinely passed at the entrance by fellow human beings who are tired, cold, and hungry, and who are likely just looking to get out of the cold for a few minutes.
While this hurts my heart, I have also overheard a number of moms and dads telling their kids not go look at the toys, and not to ask for special breakfast cereals and assorted snacks because inflation has made it impossible for them to buy the essential groceries they need. I’ve heard them tell their kids that Santa is broke this year and that they shouldn’t expect much from him. (Ouch.)
3. A GENUINE SMILE AND A WARM, FRIENDLY GREETING STILL CREATES A SOLID HUMAN CONNECTION – It’s often said that people are too busy, too self-involved, too guarded and afraid, and much too glued to their smart phones to engage with us and each other in a thoughtful, friendly, and meaningful way.
Not true.
Rarely, if ever, does anyone that passes me not return the warm greeting, the genuine smile, and the sincere wish for a Merry Christmas that they first receive from me.
I’m not there to collect dollars. I’m there to be a voice of hope and kindness in a broken world. (I let God inspire all the collections.)
You see, I’ve discovered that the onus is on me (and on you) to break the ice, …to lead the way, …to be the first to offer a “hello” or a “good morning” or a “Happy Sweet Potato Day” or what ever to who ever we cross paths with – regardless who that someone is. And regardless what day of the year it is.
One thing we should have all learned from wearing masks during the pandemic is that you and I need to see each other smile. This is what convinces us that we are not alone, and that we can push through the pain of the day.
Look, the underlying moral I’ve taken from this experience is a simple, but profound one:
If you support a worthy charity with your dollars, consider also supporting it as a volunteer. I think that if something is worth your money, it’s also worth your time.
If you’re searching for the quickest way to make an immediate impact in this world – and within your own community – take it from this creeky, judgmental old man and consider volunteering your time, money, and available resources to the Salvation Army.
You’ll get a lot more out of this than you think.
Merry Christmas!
