OLD ORCHARD BEACH – I had forgotten how it felt. The joy you get from doing something for someone else.

In need of a job, running out of money, worrying about how I was going to live in the weeks approaching Christmas. Not to mention the issue of gifts for family and friends.

I am fortunate to have good friends; I could sell everything and move in with a friend temporarily. I have options, not always the options I want to have to exercise.

During my daily reading of the classified ads, I found an ad for volunteer bell ringers for The Salvation Army. Every other Christmas, I had had enough money to put some in the kettle each time I passed one. Not so much this year.

The Salvation Army has always been my “go to” charity, remembering the help my family got from them when I was a child. They helped us with Christmas, with food to eat and warm clothes to wear, with no judgment cast or questions asked about how my mother wound up in this place of need.

I called the number and was welcomed as a volunteer; I’m not doing anything right now and thought this would be a way to give back. Little did I know that I was going to be the one to receive — in the form of grace in the sharing of people’s stories, well wishes and thanks.

From the woman who gave the pennies she had been saving, to the little children eagerly putting in coins with their chubby little fingers — they come from all walks of life, drawn to the goodness and light of The Salvation Army kettle.

They give out of a generosity that is staggering in these tough times, and quite a few of them feel comfortable enough to share their reason for that giving.

If you’re feeling lonely, scared or sad in this holiday season, consider getting out of yourself long enough to ring a bell, volunteer at a soup kitchen or collect Christmas presents, food or warm clothing for people who have a greater need than yourself.

Do this, and find amazing grace for now and forever. Believe me — I know from my own experience at the kettle. You will gain so much and it costs you nothing but your time. And, if you let it, it can change the meaning of Christmas for you and the people around you for a long time.

But be prepared to feel your heart fill with joy. 

– Special to The Press Herald

 

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