Last night we (my wife and I) were at the Salvation Army headquarters helping count money from the kettles collected that day. There were not very many kettles. We soon found out that the reason was, there is a big shortage of bell ringers.
This has been a growing trend and has been compensated for in past years by paid workers filling in as needed. This year they are having trouble even finding people to ring the bells for pay.
However, this year that has not been happening. I was told that the Salvation Army can't even find people willing to ring the bells for pay.
There are many needs met in the community by this organization not only during the Christmas season but throughout the year. The Salvation Army also assists with providing school supplies to needy families. The local store in Arkansas City provides low cost clothing and is managed by both volunteers and staff who are paid much less than those in the private sector.
The Christmas season contributions make up a huge amount of the operating funds of this organization. If they do not receive money, they will definitely have to cut back on services provided. If we do not support this organization, we are hurting the people who benefit from their services.
As is often heard at this time of year, the spirit of Christmas is giving and there are few better ways to give than to give of your time to help those in need. The only requirement is a willing heart. Even if we can't afford to give money, we can give of our time. When you give of your time to ring the bell, then you give others the opportunity to donate money.
Please don't take the presence of the Salvation Army for granted. It will only exist in Arkansas City as long as the community provides financial support.
Recently, with the River of Life concert received a tremendous outpouring of support from this city, especially from the Christian community.
This is another great opportunity for the Christian community and all of those who care about the poor, the homeless, and the needy to come forward and show what Christianity is all about----showing God's love to the world.
If you are willing to help with ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, please contact the local office and they will be more than happy to find a time that will fit you.
To volunteer to ring bells, call 442-4357.
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5 comments:
James,
Great & thank you.
I have often thought that as well. I volunteer to ring the bells a couple days per year. That doesn't seem like much, but, I figure if all of us who are able & have the time do the same, then the Army wouldn't have to pay people to ring bells. (not bragging on myself here, as this is anonymous)
Another thought that came to me is perhaps they could have some of the several hundred people that come to the AG building before Christmas for the food/toy giveaway help ring the bells. Don't know if it would be proper or possible to require this, but, it certainly wouldn't hurt to ask.
God Bless the Salvation Army. I know from experience that they help a lot of people in A.C. Hope they can continue. I will help.
My thoughts.
that's a good idea, how many of the people receiveing all this free stuff actually help with the ringing? i sure would be curious to know that, i bet hardly any of them, and too bad that some need the help but many take advantage of it when they dont really need it. the salvation army is slowly fading away and its a sign of the times, as less and less people are religious anymore as we evolve more and realize we dont need some entity or god to explain things as we did in the cave man days (all religions stem from a need to explain things or the fear of death) and with so many different religions to choose from and then so many different groups who all see it THEIR way, well heck, what if u chose the wrong one (the ones that say you have to accept jesus as your savior tell me all the other religions are doing it wrong and so they will be going you know where-those horrible catholics, muslims, buddists, and such)
as we evolve more and realize we dont need some entity or god to explain things as we did in the cave man days (all religions stem from a need to explain things or the fear of death)
THats pretty insulting to the intelligence of religious people.
Especially coming from someone not brave enough to sign his or her name... figures.
as we evolve more and realize we dont need some entity or god to explain things as we did in the cave man days (all religions stem from a need to explain things or the fear of death)
THats pretty insulting to the intelligence of religious people.
Especially coming from someone not brave enough to sign his or her name... figures.
and yet you didnt sign your name, open mouth and insert foot i guess and a great showing of your 'religious intelligence'. anyone who believes in made up entities or bases life decisions on someone they neither see nor hear EVER either has a lower intelligence or were brainwashed into believing it by their parents
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