Posted: 12/15/04
Teen Talk ColumnSpread some cheer, give generously
Christmas wreaths crowd the doors of loving homes, lights bring sparkles onto the streets, over-festive trees peak out of almost every windowóyes indeed, the holiday season is here. There are so many ways to embrace this time of year, including decorating, making cookies, and buying presents. This year, to celebrate this wonderful season in a different way, a friend and I decided to sign up for a volunteering position that only comes around this time of year. On a bitterly cold Friday evening, my friend and I stood outside of the Forest Lake Wal-Mart and rang bells for the Salvation Army collection. When I first signed up, I was excited. What a great way to get volunteering hours and experience a new side of the season. Regrettably, my first holiday volunteering experience was not what I had hoped it to be. The reactions of passersby to our attempts at performing a ìgood deedî varied greatly. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, (and reactions) the range of extremities was almost...funny. First, there are the Grinches. These are the people who, when they pass by a Salvation Army stand, completely avoid any kind of contact. While my partner in crime and I made eye contact, smiled and greeted everyone coming or going, the Grinches wanted nothing to do with our holiday cheer. When these people passed, I tried to not let it bother me, but I kept feeling like a diseased specimen. The Grinches act as though if they were to look at us, they would be infected with our holiday-itis (which is partially true.) Next, there are the Average Joes. They pass by, possibly acknowledge our merriment, exchange a corner-mouth smile, and drop in a few coins. The Average Joes put in their money because (1) they have the change, (2) they have the time, and (3) they have the heart. Even though coins may seem of little or no value to them, to the Salvation Army, it adds upófast. Last but most certainly not least, there are the Incredibles. Donating all-too-generous dollar bills, (a few times, even a five dollar bill) the Incredibles also verbalize their approval of our volunteering services. One lady exclaimed, ìI wasnít going to donate, but you girls are just too cute!î I knew our steady beat with the bell, highly cheesy dance moves and out-of-tune stylistic singing would pay off! Even withÝthe negativeÝreactions to the Salvation Army bell ringers, my friend and I had an awesome time. We were not only there to ring bells and collect moneyówe were there to spread the Holiday cheer! We didnít hound the Grinches who didnít donate. We didnít look disgustingly at the Average Joes who donated a few coins. We didnít only wish the Incredibles a happy holiday. Everyone was treated the same. So the next time you see a bell ringer, donít look away. Accept their holiday cheer. Even just a small smile back will warm their hearts. As for my friend and I, donation or no donation, we simply wanted to wish everyone the best holidayóand hopefully pass on our amazingly contagious holiday-itis! Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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