My Holiday Endeavor

[Sharon & Monty]

My holiday thing: Every time I walk past a Salvation Army via the bell and bucket, Pull the money out of my wallet!! If I am so lucky to shop and be out and about, I am compelled to pull out at least $5 and put it in the pot! Every single time, if I pass a bell ringer 5 times in one day, I have to pull out my wallet. I hope that you can join me in this quest, 50 cents, one dollar, 5 dollars or more, EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU WALK BY A SALVATION ARMY REQUEST, THEY ARE THE BEST!! Well, of course this is my opinion.  :) 

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Reminds me of a funny story when my youngest daughter was 3 years old.  We were walking out of Sam's Club and one our way in I had put money in the red pot.  On our way out Kelsey asked for some money to put in - I gave her a dollar and she put it in and then stared at the guy.  I had to prod her along to quit staring at him and she says "what do I get" and I said nothing honey that money goes to families that don't have enough money to buy food and toys with (3 year old level).  She goes "oh maybe if they gave you a sticker people would give more money its a rip off without a sticker".   Funny how in a childs eyes a sticker makes everything better :-)  We volunteer to ring the bell every year its always fun for the girls.  I even take a pack of stickers for the girls to give to the little kids.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

My husband has done a lot of research on various charities - he wants to make sure that when we donate, our money goes to support "the cause" and not to administrative endeavors.  Salvation Army is one of the best in that regard.  In terms of their position on homosexuality, they do take the "scriptural" stance in theory, but their website states: "In keeping with these convictions, the services of The Salvation Army are available to all who qualify, without regard to sexual orientation." 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I donate to Unicef on a montly basis. I really think it's important to give back especially since I am so blessed.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

I donate to many charities but I am not donating to the salvation army because of their anti gay stand. Here is the information for those that are interested.http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/12/the-salvation-army-ringing-anti-... 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Thanks for pointing this out! Everyone's always in such a rush!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

I always try to put something in the pot.  When there is a natural disaster I send a check to Salvation Army for that disaster.  I also used to donate items to their store 35 miles away but they closed that store and now the location is 60+ miles away so I take items to the Habitat for Humanities Re-Store in the small town near by.   It is another real good cause.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Good reminder....this can be such a sad time of year for people who are down on their luck.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

They weren't out yesterday.  I'm wondering, do they not work on Sundays!  I thought it was strange.  I missed them.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sharon, Thank you for the nice reminder.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Sharon - I am with you on this!  I always put money in and guess what - they always say Thank You and Merry Christmas!!!!!   I love the sound of that bell.