Give the gift of you

Last Saturday I did my stint as a volunteer bell-ringer for the Salvation Army. Since I may need that organization's charitable services some future Minnesota winter, I figure it is a good way build a few karma credits. (My Kiwanis club organized this event.)

I find bell ringing an absolutely fascinating study in human nature. As every person entered the vestibule of the downtown grocery store where I was strategically stationed, I smiled, said a hearty "Merry Christmas," and made as much direct eye contact as the passer-by would permit. The combination seemed to result in a very high percentage of shoppers ponying up at least some pocket change, if not a few greenbacks. And I loved feeling the guilt seep into the souls of those who did not contribute. From a few people I even heard "thank-you" for doing the bell ringing. While I usually contribute something whenever I see the kettle, I don't think I've every thanked the volunteer for his/her service. I will start doing so.

There is no predicting who will donate and who won't. Quality of dress and age seem to matter little. Some of the most destitute-looking people find a few coins to drop in the kettle. Someone once said that the degree of one's generosity is not measured by how much one gives, but by how much one has remaining after having given. By that standard, I am sure a few of my fellow Minnesotans could be considered far more philanthropic than Bill and Melinda. And I am a true Scrooge.

Again this year my family will donate to charities in each others' names rather than buying idiotic knickknacks, gift soaps, and other unwanted junk for each other. The LWW's parents are doing the same this year as well and I am delighted. And again this year, I am creating the family calendar using Shutterfly. Each page is designed with but one goal - to make the viewer smile. Have I succeeded?

Give a bit of yourself this holiday season. We really do like YOU more than the material presents you might give us...

Comments

[teacherninja]

Good on you, Doug. One Christmas long ago I gave some money to The United Negro College Fund in my grandfather's name. He was always making racist comments, so I thought I'd get his goat. When he opened the card he just smiled, tussled my hair and said, "Good for you."

I LOVE that Shutterfly calendar thing. I've been doing it every year since my daughter was born and it covers Christmas for the whole family! They all eat it up and she feels famous.

[Linda Dierks]

Good you, Doug! It is truly a good person (or at least one who strives to be good) who gives up their limited time for others this time of year. I haven't rung bells before, or even given up time in December, but I have gone with my family to help package food for Feed My Starving Children. Such an unbelievable feeling we all get. Both my kids wanted to have thier next birthday parties there and have the guests donate rather than bring presents. It is amazing, what the giver receives, isn't it?

Your calendar is sure to be a success. It made me smile!

Merry Christmas!

[Paul C.]

I passed a similar stellar bell reading late this afternoon. She was good: eye contact, cheerful greeting, made me feel like I should always carry a few dollars in my pocket this time of year.

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Ninja,

Great story about your grandfather. We have a local “Sharing Tree” here in Mankato where people, mostly with developmental problems, can make a Christmas gift request. What is usually asked for is so modest, it almost makes you choke up.

Glad you do the calendar. Big hit here too with an increasing number of little ones in the family to grace the pages. Now I struggle to maintain balance.

All the best and happy holidays!

Doug

HI Linda,

You can definitely put me in the “striving to be good” category. Still miles to go. And there is certainly a reciprocal feeling of goodwill when donating one’s time or money. It’s not one sided in the least. Sounds like you are giving you kids a wonderful gift as well.

Thanks for the comment and happy holidays!

Doug

Hi Paul,

The one thing I think might increase giving is having a sad looking dog at one’s feet. I’ve always noticed that animals get more sympathy when money is being requested than do people!

Give those dollars!

Doug