Salvation Army bell-ringers in AUGUST?

15 years ago

The mailed sales flier for one of my nearby grocery stores had a msg: "The Salvation Army bell ringers will be bringing the spirit of the holiday season to Giant this August. Look for them at select stores!"

August? omg.

I guess that means that other stores are starting to put out their Christmas and other winter holidays' crafts stuff and ornaments?

I know that there are lots of people who love the anticipation of the holidays (and need to start crafting early), but let the kids go back to school first, at least!

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Comments (13)

User
15 years ago
I think donations are down and they probably need the money.
marie_ndcal
15 years ago
It could be the lack of volunteers in the past year or so, but also donations are down. The SA is donating alot here in Minot, food, lunches everyday, clothing, and just about anything else. All this and the many disasters around takes a toll on any organization. We connect the bell ringers with Christmas, but the need is year around and it is easier for so many more to give.
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I've seen the walls posted with donation chits, but I've never been asked outright at the register to donate money. If they did ask, I'd just say no and leave it at that. Of course, the usual bell-ringers outside the store doors always ask, and I just walk by or say no. I do feel a bit badly saying "no" so often, but I also feel badly driving by down-on-their-luck homeless holding signs at intersections. Other than a couple special, urgent drives during any given year, in early December every year, DH and I always sit down and discuss what/how much we're going to give according to that year's finances. Then we write a few very generous checks to our favorite causes. Yes, it's tax deductible, but we are giving the money, and they are getting the money, and if the IRS wants to reward us for doing so, I'm all for it. This year I am also sponsoring Xmas gifts for a disadvantaged girl in the area (anonomously through a local agency). In general, I'd rather write large checks than give in dribs and drabs all through the year, even if there were no tax deduction. I did make an exception a week or so ago...a not-strung-out-by-drugs homeless young man was just sitting quietly (with a donation can) on the wide sidewalk downtown recently, and he had laid out a clean folded towel for his cat to lay on. (I'd never seen a homeless person with a pet cat.) He was petting and stroking his cat so lovingly, and the cat responding in kind, that I gave him $5 and asked that it be used for catfood or shots for his cat. (There is a good homeless shelter with meals not far away, and I'm sure they do not provide catfood or veterinary care.) He looked up and smiled. Maybe the cat is his shill? Who knows...I just was touched.
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suzieque
15 years ago
Are you sure that means that they'll be there in August? It just sounds like an advance notice to me. Still, kind of early for that, too.
socks
15 years ago
They must be desperate. I saw on TV that the food donation programs are serving many thousands more than other years, so SA is probably struggling to meet needs as well. I'm sure it would help them to know now what cash they will have on hand for the holidays. I do throw a small amount in the red bucket at Christmas, but I would not do it now because it will just encourage them to start in August. Ugh.
suzieque
15 years ago
Oh my gosh - I just reread it. I apologize. It clearly says "in August".

I'm in total agreement - way too early!
gadgets
15 years ago
In a town south of me, they've had to keep the bell ringers out on into January the past couple of holiday seasons as they hadn't been able to collect enough money to cover the needs.

Shirley
jannie
15 years ago
I usually took the first day of school off from work so I could see my two daughters off on the bus and be home when school ended. As soon as the morning bus left, I'd go to the mall and start my Christmas shopping. Cheered me up on a sad sort of a day. Yes,I've seen Salvation Army bell ringers in early September!
lynn_d
15 years ago
I'm sure that they are in great need right now. So many are unemployed and/or under-employed and in need of help, I would imagine the coffers are hitting rock bottom. Sadly many are anxious and willing to help during the holidays but seem for forget that the need extends beyond.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
15 years ago
"Spirit of the holiday season" should mean giving, sharing, kindness, and generosity.

Desperate times means difficult measures for those who feed and clothe others. If you can't donate coins to a Salvation Army bell ringer, why not take a bag of canned good to a local food bank. There's pretty thin pickins on those shelves these days.
Georgysmom
15 years ago
Could be that they're collecting for back-to-school supplies for needy kids.
User
15 years ago
If you google the SA you will see they are helping people all over the world. They are first responders who never ask for credit or press.
In my area they have a temporaty residence where they have given hope and changed the lives of so many men who have been addicted.They also have a darling chapel when any of us can worship with them.
I am glad they are out now as it is so cold at Christmas. I have my cash ready for when I see them now.
workoutlady
15 years ago
They are out here ringing periodically. They rang over the 4th holiday and at other times. There's a high need for money. I know that the stuff collected here, stays in my home area. In my area they have converted an unused jail into a homeless shelter for men. It is very nice considering it is an old jail. They did do some renovation but for they most part you can tell that it was a jail at one time.
arcy_gw
15 years ago
Have you noticed there have been more than the average number of natural disasters around? Have you noticed we live in a climate of HUGE unemployment? Have you noticed there are thousands starving on the horn of Africa?? The need is HORRENDOUS right now. The bell ringers have NOTHING to do with stores putting out decorations. It is all about their desperation to HELP PEOPLE!!

Salvation Army bell-ringers in AUGUST?

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