By Laurel Rosch
Three years ago, I was looking for something to do with my children that would allow us to actively give to our community during the holidays.
Being that they were under the age of 5, I struggled to find the right fit.
The answer came at my local grocery store when my then 2-year-old daughter saw a volunteer ringing a handbell at a Salvation Army Red Kettle stationed there. She wanted to ring a bell too.
I was so used to telling her no when she asked for things at the grocery, it was on the tip of my tongue. But then I thought, why not? We could do that together.
So we signed up. Wanting to make sure that the kids had a great time, I recruited my friend Julie Sweet and her kids.
I knew that we would feel good doing it. And we did. What I didn’t know was that we would have a great time. We loved spending the 2-hour shift together, ringing bells, signing carols, and (an unexpected treat) talking to neighbors we hadn’t seen since summer coming to the grocery. The kids give out chocolate to people walking by (whether they donate or not) and last year, they built snowmen next to our kettle. We also talk together about why there is a need to do things for others and how blessed we are.
In three short years, it has become one of Julie and my kids’ favorite holiday traditions.
While ringing the bells, Julie and I have met other families or friends that do this annually. We’ve met two women who volunteered to get out of the house, and a couple of high school students who bring their violins and use it as practice time while they entertain anyone passing by. One mother told me that she staffs a kettle with her son every year since he was 8. He is 22 now. I hope that I can say that one day.
Signing up is EASY. You sign up on-line for 2 hour shifts for days and locations of your choice. There’s no training and the job is simple – ring a bell and thank people for any donations received. http://champaignil.volunteerfirst.org/
When you arrive for your shift, a volunteer or the volunteer coordinator will meet you at your location with the handbells, uniform apron and the kettle. When your shift was over, other volunteers came to relieve you or collect the items.
In a time when most traditions focus on receiving, this is a great way to be with friends and/or family while giving. Money collected through the Red Kettle campaign helps fund the local Salvation Army food pantry, overnight shelter and many other causes. Without the kettles being staffed, the organization loses out on possible donations. The News-Gazette reported this week recently that only 10% of the needed shifts have been filled so far. So the need is there.
So what are you waiting for? Your family’s new favorite tradition, may just a few clicks away.
Happy Holidays.
Laurel Rosch and Julie Sweet are looking forward to volunteering at the Schnucks in Savoy on December 20 with their kids (Collins and Ellie Rosch) and (Cooper and Anna Sweet).