Listen to this article
My adopted grandma was an independent career woman, yet she found herself in need of help with getting a new vision prescription and glasses. It was in her time of need she turned to The Salvation Army.
It is hard for “independent” people to ask for help, but the health crisis was humbling for her and the generosity of The Salvation Army made a deep impression. It was her admonition to me that if I was going to give of my time and energy, it should be to The Salvation Army, because they will help anyone. Period.
I have witnessed the generosity of the local Grants Pass Salvation Army for over 32 years, having the opportunity to give back in volunteer service over the last eight years. There are thousands in our community that benefit from the service of The Salvation Army, as well as other food pantries and social service agencies. Yet, The Salvation Army is one of the easiest organizations to jump in and help as a volunteer and give a little back in the way of time and energy.
I ring the bell because the money dropped in The Salvation Army Red Kettle stays here in our community. I ring the bell because, in the past, I was a recipient of a bag of food when my paycheck wouldn’t make it to the end of the month. I ring the bell because it is fun to interact with my neighbors as they shop at our local stores. I ring the bell because I know I need to do my part to make sure this organization is here to help my community.
Maybe it’s selfish, but now I’m an independent career woman like my grandma was, and I’m grateful that I can help The Salvation Army in memory and respect to her but also I know I can call on them if I need to, and the Army would answer the call.
I ring the bell because I am persuaded that there could be waiting lists of volunteers for bell ringing in our community, as everyone who has been served by The Salvation Army could spare a little of their time to ring the bell in thankfulness for this organization that has been here for them at one time or another.
Like Catherine Ryan Hyde said, “If you can’t pay it back, pay it forward.”
Do Good:
- You’ve probably seen the red kettles and thrift stores, and while we’re rightfully well known for both…The Salvation Army is so much more than red kettles and thrift stores. So who are we? What do we do? Where? Right this way for Salvation Army 101.
Download this page as a PDF
