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This past Saturday morning, you could find me down at the Piggly Wiggly wearing a red apron and ringing a bell for the Salvation Army. The weather couldn't have been nicer for December - I brought a pair of gloves but as it turned out, the sun was shining and I didn't even need them!
The shift I signed up for only lasted a half hour, and time went very quick. The person ringing before me brought her two children to help, and the person ringing after me brought her husband and her months old baby - they had to have raised a few bucks!
On this exceptionally warm and pleasant morning, not a single person I said "good morning" to had a nasty thing to say.
Only once did I hear, "you're out in full force today! Here and at Walmart!" And there were only a handful of people that just walked on by - almost everyone responded with a friendly hello.
One person even thanked ME for standing outside to ring the bell and raise money for the Salvation Army. I made sure to thank them when they passed by and tucked a dollar into the kettle.
I wasn't counting but I'm sure I helped raise a few bucks that Saturday morning. And I felt really good about donating my time to do it too.
Sometimes we tend to focus on the negativity in our world, but there are good people all around us. I really do believe that.
If you're feeling generous, maybe tuck your own dollar or spare change into the red kettle next time you head to the Pig or Walmart. Better yet, think about spending a half hour or hour doing something special for someone other than yourself - the Salvation Army is currently looking for bell ringers in the area.
If you're interested in giving a few moments of your time this holiday season, please call 608-553-4138 or email iowacountysalvationarmy@gmail.com.