<p>My daughters volunteered to ring the bells at the Salvation Army Kettles this season. First shift was yesterday, youngest drew the straw for that one. It was breezy but warmer, 50 degrees. Today was the oldest shift. She got the nasty weather, sleet, rain, 30 degrees. Just ran up to deliver her hot chocolate and hand warmers. There she stood teeth chattering and tears rolling… Looked at me with those brown eyes and said “oh my gosh Mom, there are people who dont have homes in weather like this…”</p>
<p>It is a wonderful feeling when you realize your kid has compassion and empathy for others. Your D is doing a great thing this holiday season that will be a great life lesson.</p>
<p>What a beautiful post. Hugs to you and your daughter.</p>
<p>Course this is the same brainy kid that went off to ring those bells with no socks on…</p>
<p>"Course this is the same brainy kid that went off to ring those bells with no socks on… "</p>
<p>Yeah, yeah, details. My guess is next time she’ll remember to wear socks, as she remembers why she’s doing this.</p>
<p>True Whatever, but I didnt say that to diminish what she’s doing or learning. I just laugh to think about how smart she is and yet sometimes…so unprepared for life or weather. I am certain both lessons will be with her.</p>
<p>I’m with you, sistersunnie! Our kids are very smart and perceptive – about some things. Despite practically living in the arctic tundra, I had to make a “no shorts in December” rule for a kid who was later accepted to Harvard.</p>
<p>That’s why this was a great learning experience for your daughter on many levels! Now that she has personally figured out how horrible cold weather is for homeless people, she’s probably also figured out how miserable it is for sockless ones. We can hope, anyway!</p>
<p>lol… not what I expected. I thought her epiphany was going to be how annoying those bells are! I can barely walk past them and can’t imagine a kid standing in one place ringing that bell for hours. A group of kids tried to spend the night outdoors with the homeless. It was a particularly cold night and only half of the kids made it.</p>
<p>I have never given to the Salvation Army before this year… but, I had an impulse one day of just emptying my pockets of all change when I passed one…and now I do it every time. It is change…and by itself it is a small thing…but, when everyone does it, the money can make a difference…and this year, a lot of people need help… so, they are getting any change I have this holiday season… folks have been manning these buckets for years and years… not sure why I saw it differently this year… </p>
<p>kudos to your girls… and you Sunnie for helping them in their commitment.</p>
<p>Okay another story from the trenches, youngest just called me from her bell ringing station and remarked “people are funny, some wont even look you in the face when you’re out here- skulk right by you, avoiding eye contact” She said someone pulled up to the kettle in their car and handed her the ashtray right out of the car- full of change and asked her to dump it in.</p>
<p>I’ve promised myself to ALWAYS donate every time I pass one of those red kettles. I also always thank the volunteer who’s doing it. I really admire those people. You must be very proud to have a daughter doing this.</p>
<p>Aren’t SA bell ringers paid? </p>
<p>Also, such a sweet post! 
Thanks for sharing!</p>
<p>Your daughters might enjoy the movie, “Major Barbara” (from the 40’s I think). It’s about an idealistic young woman who joins the Salvation Army and would make a great family movie night. I love old movies, especially this time of year, but you can watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” just so much.</p>
<p>curiouser, I do the same thing. I carry very little cash on me, but if there’s a kettle, the kettle gets fed.</p>
<p>sistersunnie, kudos to your girls!</p>
<p>A mall in Maryland asked the ringers to replace the ringers in their bells with paper clips - they complied. People in the other stores complained. I have also given more to the Salvation Army this year than ever before. This is a year in which we can’t assume that other people will give.</p>
<p>there’s a reason loose coins are called “change.”</p>
<p>good for your daughter!</p>
<p>Congrats on your wonderful two girls, sunnie.</p>
<p>Question Quest I guess they sometimes are, but in our area, they depend on volunteers. Last night in the newspaper, the SA had a ad thanking the volunteers, telling the community where its contributions go and specifically said that they hadnt had to pay any ringers in several years. </p>
<p>I spotted them today at a Micheals Craft Store and it was amazing the difference a location makes. Walmart shoppers are much more generous and talkative. Just an interesting observation… Her clapper fell off today and the bell was mute, alot of people asked where the bell was…</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Not around here…they are volunteers. Back in the day, they were all members of the SA. But now they actually take volunteers for the jobs.</p>
<p>Sunnie, congrats on your D! I ALWAYS feed the kettle and I’ve always told my kids that is was go luck to do so. I wonder if they feed the kettle, I’ll have to ask.</p>