Last Thanksgiving, I signed up with my nephew to ring the bell for the Salvation Army in Poplar Bluff.
I thought, who could resist a cute 7-year-old. Especially with dimples that always seem to help him charm his way out of mischief.
Unfortunately, there was a snag in my plans.
Five minutes into our one-hour shift, my nephew, Caydyn, took away my bell.
He set it on the ground beside his and said, "Shhh. They're in time out. They're too loud."
The little boy who has never found a good reason to willingly turn down the television was determined that he couldn't spend another minute, much less an hour, ringing his bell.
Fortunately, he was convinced otherwise (don't tell his dad, but grandma may have bribed him with sour gummy worms).
All joking aside, bell ringers will take up their posts Friday in Poplar Bluff.
This single fundraising effort typically provides more than $35,000 annually for Salvation Army assistance in Poplar Bluff. As the only fundraiser for the local chapter, it has made it possible for children to receive new school shoes. Utility payments have been made for families in need. High school students have received emergency dental care.
So many other needs have also been met by this organization over the years, including help from the national organization after devastating floods and winter storms.
In past years, more than 700 volunteers, who typically work in pairs, have helped fill shifts between Black Friday and Christmas Eve.
I hope everyone who sees the red kettle at area stores this holiday season can spare a little money, and a smile for these bell ringers.
I know I certainly gained a new appreciation for the dedication of these volunteers, many of whom have done this far longer and more often than my nephew and I.
--------
Donna Farley is the associate editor for the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at dfarley@darnews.com.