What do you do when it’s one of the coldest days of the year? Ring the bell for Salvation Army.
Our slotted time was scheduled long before we knew the freezing temperatures were moving into our area…-6 below with wind chills of -30’s.
Fortunately, the red bucket and stand were moved into the cart corral entry way at Family Fare foods where we stood, ringing bells. We were bundled up in boots and hats and mittens, warm jackets and scarfs, long johns and toe warmers, protected from the wind, but still cold!
Starbucks, located right inside the store, offered complimentary hot coffee or cocoa for the bell ringers. That was a nice jesture.
People were going in and out of the store constantly. I thought maybe the cold would keep people home but that was definitely not the case. Last-minute Christmas shoppers were out buying those last-minute dinner items.
We enjoyed our two-hour shift. It was fun to be out with others on this day before Christmas Eve. People were friendly, engaging and generous.
Good for you!!! Hope you had hot cocoa at home to take off the chill afterwards.
We did, and we warmed up nicely after all was said and done. 😉
What a lovely way to volunteer, Valerie! I am sure you were very cold, but you were part of something so important. Merry Christmas, my friend!
And a Merry Christmas to you and Jack!
Thank you both for ringing bells. We’ve done that many times, but not in the past few years. I’m thankful you were allowed to move into the entry. We’ve always rung at Walmart, outside. No moving inside there. And we endured many frigid bell ringing sessions. I’m glad people were generous and that Starbucks offered you hot beverages. Much needed in the brutal conditions.
I remember you and Randy rang the bells for Salvation Army.
It is an interesting task, and worth while one too, I think.
Proud of you! You serve in so many ways!!
Thanks Darci.