Filling up the red kettle

As a member of a local civic club and another nonprofit organization, one of my volunteer commitments each year is ringing the Red Kettle Bell during the holiday season.

I’ve been a member of the Shawnee Rotary Club a number of years. I’ve served on the board of directors for most of that time, though not every year.

I even had the privilege of serving a 15-month term as president.

Several years ago I was invited to serve on the Salvation Army Board and accepted. Today, I remain on that board, even having served a three-year term as president.

I happen to be a member of these two organizations, but there are lots of others throughout the area that people can join and they serve great causes as well.

They help area communities in various ways also.

For the past few years I’ve coordinated Rotary’s efforts on ringing the bell. We take one-hour shifts and usually ring in pairs.

Sometimes, a member rings alone, when a second person can’t fill that time slot, forgets or something comes up preventing he or she to fulfill that commitment.

Most people don’t understand the more who volunteer equates to a greater net amount for the SA. The SA has to pay many people to ring the bell because of the large number of locations that are manned.

While the Salvation Army office is located in Shawnee, it serves Pottawatomie, Lincoln and Seminole counties.

I encourage organizations to help out by volunteering and individuals as well.

This year it’s been critical because of the Pandemic.

I, and others, have rung the bell in all sorts of weather. We’ve done it in nice warm weather. Other times it’s been windy and cold. We’ve rung while it sleeted and snowed, even in light rain.

But it takes commitment and the reason we’re doing it is for such a great cause, to help out those less fortunate.

I like watching people and ringing the bell provides a perfect opportunity. It’s interesting to see no matter what the conditions might be, shoppers are focused and intent in getting it done.

I try and speak to each one as they come by, whether they donate money or not.

Some of those headed into stores will go out of their way to come over and put money into the Red Kettle. I watch as others have noticed the Kettle and will try to avoid it no matter what.

That’s Ok, too.

Some people thank us for ringing. Others are joyful and speak to you, some don’t.

Some are eager to come directly up to the Kettle. Others give the money to their small kiddos who are excited about putting it in the bucket.

A lot people put bills in the Kettle, others just a few cents or leftover change. All of that is needed because whatever the amount might be, it will help someone in need and that’s what is important.