It’s an experience in giving that requires very little but has amazingly far-reaching effects. You can touch a life somewhere in the world — as far away as Africa or as close as next door — just by ringing a bell.
Since 1910 selfless supporters of the Salvation Army have stood next to those familiar kettles cheerfully smiling, coaxing shoppers to drop in a few coins. I chatted with two Ponte Vedra residents who volunteered their time before Thanksgiving: John Nondero, a financial planner and Charles Smith, a home designer; both members of Christ The Redeemer Church.
Both enthusiastically told me how much they love bell ringing, recommend it as a way of serving at Christmas time, and without a doubt would do it again.
Nondero said, "It’s whatever you make it … I get a kick out of the kids that come up to you clutching a toy, drop in a coin, and look up at you with those big eyes. Most people are absolutely wonderful."
Smith, who worked his two hour shift with his wife, Carol, a retired school teacher, said, "I receive so much joy doing this. I’ve found one to two people out of five tend to give. Kids especially love to give … Women give more because they’re the ones shopping."
When you drop your dollars into the pot, the money becomes a means to help the needy around the globe in many different ways. The SAWSO — the Salvation Army World service Office — distributes the funds to these types of programs:
1. Maternal and child health
2. Food, sanitation, water
3. Community development
4. womens’ empowerment
5. HIV and AIDs
6. International anti-human trafficking
7. Tsunami Reconstruction
Approximately $400,000 is expected to be raised from the Jacksonville area Salvation Army Bell ringers this season said Joan Bender, Salvation Army Kettle Coordinator.
William Booth and his wife Catherine started the Salvation Army in the mid 1800s in London, England. Booth, an ardent evangelist canvassed the streets of London preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute. He quickly became known as a religious leader throughout England, fervently fighting for lost souls.
Among Booth’s first converts were thieves, prostitutes, and drunkards. In 1912 this self-sacrificing zealot died leaving his son Bramwell Booth to run the Salvation Army.
