What Bell-Ringing Has Taught Me

For me, it started ten years ago. We had scheduled a family holiday trip to the warmest place we could go and still stay in the continental US, Key West. Because we'd be there over Christmas and New Year's and because we considered ourselves so fortunate to be able to do so, we wanted to give back. After some searching we found the Salvation Army needed people to help prepare Christmas dinner for the needy and they needed Bell Ringers to help raise money for the needy, too. We prepared turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans, but we also stood in front of the local grocery store and rang the bells for hours. It's one of our best family memories.

Since then, my association with my local Rotary chapter has had me standing in front of Walmart, Kroger, Walgreen's, Harris Teeter and other local businesses, ringing the bell, smiling, singing (badly), meeting wonderful people and being thankful that this time of year brings out the best in people. I've learned so much and wanted to share some of the best lessons with you.

1. YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

I've found the most generous people at the most unlikely locations. People give more when they're heading into Walmart than those heading into our local upscale grocery store. I've also seen people who look as though they could afford to write the cause a monster check avoid eye contact or scuttle to a different door to avoid a bell-ringer confrontation. Finally, I've seen the most generous people, many of them small children, some of them side-by-side with me, ringing bells and putting whatever they can into the bucket. It's a most heartwarming moment.

2. HAVING FUN WHILE YOU'RE RINGING MAKES YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE HAPPIER

During the years, I've seen my teenage daughters belting out Christmas carols at the tops of their lungs in shorts in Key West for hours and the smiles brought to the faces of passers-by as a result. I've jangled the bells to an internal rhythm and to the holiday music on a portable blue-tooth speaker. People love to see others having fun. Wearing a funny hat, a Clemson sweatshirt or a light-up lapel pin usually gets a better response than boring old attire. If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right!

3. NO-ONE SHOULD FEEL GUILTY FOR NOT CONTRIBUTING

As I pointed out before, some people avoid walking by the bell-ringer and avoid contact should they fail to avoid me ahead of time. Everyone should know that putting a dollar or some change in the bucket should be something they're overjoyed to do. If it doesn't bring you joy, if it's not what you want to do, then don't do it. Don't feel guilty. You've got your own charities, your own needs. Do it if it feels good!

4. BELL-RINGERS ARE THERE BECAUSE IT MAKES THEM FEEL GOOD

We donate our time, during the week, after hours, but mostly during our weekends. Some people do two hour shifts, some double-up and some work a whole day or several days in a row. It's not always convenient. It's not the only thing that we could (or should) be doing at that time, but we do it because we know the good it can bring and we like the way it makes others and ourselves feel.

5. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES

It should go without saying, but standing on your feet for hours, even though it makes you feel good, you meet wonderful people and you're doing a great good, can be tiring. Bring a friend, dress for the weather and, above all, wear comfortable shoes.

Whatever drives your desire to help others during the holidays, do it. Pack food for those less fortunate, deliver meals, contribute to a toy drive or, as we do, be a Bell-Ringer. Enjoy your family and friends, be joyful and have a wonderful Holiday season!