I can't believe it was almost a month ago, (11-28-08) I was asked to volunteer and ring the bell for the Salvation Army. This has to be the quickest month I can ever remember passing by. Today is the final day the Salvation Army will be ringing the bell for the season. That being said, during the past month I took a series of photos of the many people at WalMart, Sam's Club and even the Mall.
OK, here's the BIG NEWS that no one has heard as of yet. I kind of alluded to it yesterday but I wanted to make sure I had the go ahead from the Salvation Army before doing so. So here it goes.
As of last Tuesday, the Salvation Army had already surpassed last years donations! It's now 8 days later and the expectation today is that the Salvation Army will have brought in 50% more in donations this year than last year!!!!!
Here's what makes these numbers so special. First of all, we're in a recession, times are very tough for everyone, yet everyone dug deep and gave because they understand what the Salvation Army is all about. All too often I'd hear people say, (while making their donation) I'm blessed to have what I have and we need to give when we can.
Another major factor is the fact that for the past 10 years the Salvation Army has had to pay bell ringers to cover the locations. This year they have not had to pay out a single dime for bell ringers, making their net take that much greater! That's why I can't thank ALL of those people enough who took the time to volunteer this year and make this fundraising drive that much more successful. It has been cold, bitter cold at times and yet people still came out and fulfilled their commitments at each location and that's just unbelievable. Firefighters, Police Officers, the States Attorneys Office, The County Executive, the Mayor, many local businesses, individuals, man, the list just goes on and on.
While the photos above show just a few of those wonderful people who came to the rescue, there were hundreds more I regret not having. Perhaps the Salvation Army can provide us with a complete list of all of these special people, we'll see what they have to say in time.
All I can say is THANK YOU! The people of the Eastern Shore have come together and delivered in a very big way. It's going to be a very special year for quite a lot of people in desperate need of help.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you ALL.
23 comments:
The best part for me was seeing the very young, barely old enough to hold the money putting money in the kettle. To teach giving at an early age is a loving gift for life.
I also heard people say, "They helped me when I was down." As they were putting money in the kettle.
This was also the first time I heard they had to pay people to bell ring in the past, this will be a tradition for life now. Thanks Joe.
Joe- Thank you for recognizing everyone's contribution.
Silver Bells Silver Bells, its Christmas time in the city.
Joe:
I have always thought the Salvation Army was a great organization.
BUT
Your constant reminders on SBYnews made me dig a little deeper, throw in a $5 instead of a quarter and to do it more than once.
Merry Christmas!!!
Awsomeness!
Merry CHRIST~MAS EVERYONE
How did "No-slots Jim" get his picture there?
Joe,
As one of The Salvation Army volunteers, I want to THANK YOU for all you've done to support the campaign. The response the Army received from those who read your blog was outstanding!
It has been really heart warming to read the posts from people who never rang a bell before and now will be dedicated volunteers each year. Just think how by promoting The Salvation Army's need, you've impacted those lives in a positive way.
I've also enjoyed your personal stories and applaud your personal commitment to the success of the Campaign.
It has been a long 27 days (not to mention weeks prior to the start of bell-ringing) for a small group of people who worked behind the scenes managing volunteer placement, delivering and picking up the Kettles, and counting the money (which took hours each day). I salute all of them!
While we are anxiously awaiting final totals, I hope the staff and volunteers will enjoy a holiday break knowing they accomplished a huge task - raised more funds, lowered costs and touched more people's lives.
In closing, I hope the nay-sayers who thrive on negativity will allow The Salvation Army and those who support it (including you) to enjoy this moment of good will and good cheer.
Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Whos the lady with Mike???
congratulations on helping bring to the forefront this worthy cause! Merry Christmas!
Great Job everyone...from those that rang the bell to those that gave what they could......Merry Christmas everyone.
Lalou
12:43 That's Pida Sterling, bothher sons are Maryland State Troopers and darn good ones !!
I would like to say...
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my fellow bloggers and a special thank you to Mr. Joe!
Thats why I keep saying it and saying it, This is the best place to live on the pace of the earth.
Look in the mirror, Joe. Look into your own eyes. Look in there deeply. Your soul is empty of love, isn't it?
anonymous 4:17,
Only a person who truly doesn't understand the meaning of love could make such a statement.
4:17
What a miserable person you must be. If you think you're being clever or cute - you're not. If YOU can't feel the spirit of Christmas and its meaning, don't inflict your pathetic self on the rest of us. You are to be pitied.
Joe, I can't believe you put up See's pic (doing something good), shows what a man you are. Bet he never would.
4:17 If you ever talk about the mirror which you obviously are eons from again like that Ill put a curse on ya boy. You opened the door into my world now.
Glad to see you post Fernando's photos. Our daugther who is visiting us met him for the first time this week. She was so touched by his openess, his patience, and his willingness to listen to all who aproached him and asked for either help or advise for their young kids. He truly cares about this community. Another testament to himself, Hal and the Main Street Gym. What an awesome Salisbuy, MD story!!!
Merry Christmas to you & may the New year brings you and your family much prosperity & good health.
honestaby
David See:
I understand completely why you are standing there...for a good cause. Thank You for your service and I wish Joe a very happy New Year. Let's see if he has the spirit in 2009 and who he will trash first in 2009!
Joe, Waht you did for the Salvation Army was a tru testament to who you are. Soem may love you, some may hate you but you spent a ton of time out there in the cold proving that you put you money where ou mouth was. More imortantly you did it for the right reasons. I know the Salvation Army appriciates it and this communty should as well.
Hi, I'm a homeless guys freind that you put out of work.Work that he had been paid to do for years .Untill this year that is.Because of your so called "great" help, this guy and many just like him weren't able to make enough money to pay there rent. And now the mayor has taken all their belongings. The bell ringing job is all many of them had . It was their only sense of truely feeling productive.And yes many of them are mentally challenged . Ringing that stupid bell was their only income. Thanks Joe, thanks alot. Oooo look at me ! I rang a bell for the salvation army. I think it may have not been as "great " as you think it was. Did you ever stop to think whos' job you were stealing? I bet not , and I'll tell you why. Cause egotistical people like you and the mayor rarely do, let alone think, of anything but your self.
Now , you realize you owe alot of homeless people a apollogy. The very least you should do is pay rent on a nice warm house for them untill it gets warmer outside. After all you did see to it ,rather dilligently might I add, that their only income was taken from them. Now who better watch out for karma! And yes he is big and knows mixed martial arts. Then after you put them out of work , you publicize the fact that all their stuff got taken. all because they could not pay rent on a place to keep it.And blame the mayor and cheif for only trying to make you happy. What is going on in that big head of yours? What were you thinking? I know, you weren't . This is exactly why the mayor is gonna fry that baby azz of yours. Karma baby, karma, its a bitch. And its karmin your way.
Well, Joe, I don't like ya, but I must say you did an excellent job this year with the Salvation Army.
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