Week #52 (Part I): Joining the Army ... Salvation Army!

This is my second to last week. Since my weeks end on Sunday at midnight, I have one more task after this. As this year winds down, I am a conflicted soul. On one hand I can't wait for this weekly pressure to be off of me and on the other hand, I know I will miss this. ( I will write about this in further detail after my last post).

My mother came up with this week's idea. Hey! She said, "It is Christmas time, you should volunteer for the Salvation Army." Good idea, Mom. I thought, "Why not join the Army?" Be all that you can be! I talked with the family and everyone was all on board.

I signed up for my three-hour shift outside of Sears Dept. Store at one of our local malls. This task became a little more difficult due to my prior week injury. Standing on crutches for three straight hours became a little uncomfortable. I show up to relieve the lady before me and she asked if I have my own bell. I thought that they provided one. She exclaimed that they do... but nobody can hear it. She proceeded to give me one of her "sleigh" bells (which have a far better listening range). I start ringing away. A teenager came up to me and said "Sir, thank you for what you are doing." Someone else inquired if my crutches were real or am I just a good marketer. One hour in, my wife showed up with all the kids in their Santa hats and antlers. My wife noticed that kids and to some extent, dudes in crutches, have a lot more success with donations than adults. I spoke with a woman from Atlanta who also volunteers and she mentions they can't even ring a bell there. They actually hold up a sign that says "Ding Dong!" When my shift was over, it took a few minutes for the next family to relieve me. They also did not have their own bell. I thought since they were fellow members of the salvation army corp, I passed on the sleigh bells and wished them a Merry Christmas. One corp member to the other.

This was a rewarding holiday event for our entire family. My Mom and Aunts showed up to lend a hand. Our children learned to give back and we are all looking forward to continuing this new Holiday tradition every year.

Pictures: Ringing the bell with family, my Aunt Maureen lending a hand, the red bucket runneth over (thanks Ken).

Videos: Ringing away with my Mom giving away and the family joining in.