How do you react when you see the Salvation Army people ringing their bells?

Question

I know we can't always contribute every time, but do you put something in the kettle or do you ignore them?

Answer 1

Always give when I see them.

IMHO, the Army is one of the truest Christian sects. Unannounced and unsung, they do what they do quietly and without expectations of face time on TV. They truly live what they preach....unlike most of them.

Answer 2

I put in a dollar or two every time. Part of the reason for that is the unique position of the Salvation Army's social services effort in the Las Vegas area. They run an emergency shelter, a food bank and an alcohol/drug rehabilitation program, all without any financial contribution from their national headquarters. All of it is locally generated funding.
Having been in the vicinity of several natural and man-made disasters over my lifetime I also know that the "Sallies" are usually the first ones in with their food catering trucks and the like. Yet, the media are always blinded by that large red cross on the vehicles which arrive much later.
Years ago, when their coffers were filled much better, the Salvation Army in Los Angeles had a float in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Their band still marches in the parade, but floats cost a lot of money. One particular float was especially memorable. The theme of the parade was world travel. Around the bend onto Colorado Avenue came a huge figure of Jesus with the words "Follow Me" at the base of the trailer hauling the float. People didn't know whether to applaud, bow down, kneel or make the Sign of the Cross. LOL!

Answer 3

If I can buy something in the store I feel I can put something in the kettle. If not I should be home and not be out shopping...... That is how I feel...but I love the Salvation Army anytime I have taken someone to them for help The Salvation Army has helped.....Am a Catholic..... but I like the way.............. The Salvation Army helps people....My dad told me when he was in world war 2 how How the Red Cross was taking IOU's when they gave things to the soldiers......The Catholic Church we ask to many questions....The Savation Army is great and I always give.....This is just my humble opinion........The Salvation Army gives without fan fare

Answer 4

My reaction depends on whether I have mailed in a contribution to the Salvation Army recently or not.

The years that I've mailed in a contribution; I smile and tell the bell ringer that "I've sent in a donation already-Merry Christmas!"

The years that I haven't mailed in a contribution I carry a few singles and 5-dollar bills in my front pocket; and drop a bit in every time I see a bell ringer. I know about how much I've budgeted for the Salvation Army each year, and so I keep giving to the kettle until I've reached my budget amount.

I do prefer to mail in my contributions; for two reasons. First, it's very easy for the bell ringers to be robbed. Secondly, one year I caught the bell ringer pilfering my donation and slipping it in his pocket. I went back and mentioned to him that I saw him, backed away before he could argue, and watched him put the money back in the kettle. So, I just think it's safer to mail directly to our local headquarters.

Answer 5

Actually, my husband used to manage a branch of the Salvation Army, so I have seen the donations go to good use. Besides helping families with food and toys at Christmas, they provide these things all year round. If kids needed school clothes, my hubby would let them choose what they needed for free. If an elderly person needed help with utilities or even firewood, they would oblige. I actually volunteered for the calling of clubs to donate time to ring the bell for free. My son did it for two hours for a merit badge in cub scouts and people donated over $200. The Salvation Army provides meals and blankets for the homeless and programs to help people afflicted with alcohol and substance abuse.My hubby quit because they don't pay their employees enough, MacDonald's pays better! I know the money goes to great causes and helps alot of people, yet I admit I hate when I see em because I feel the obligation to dig deep!

Answer 6

I put money in the kettle when ever I have change....I also donate to that organization, such as clothing, and other items I no longer need. During the Witch Creek Fires here in Oct, they helped out here in a huge way. Feeding the burned out families and the town for nearly a week (nearly 500 families lost their homes in the Oct 2007 fires in this town alone we had no water for over a week as well, and many organizations donated and delivered water to homes not burned out....so much was done to help us I just Thank them all). Thank You Salvation Army your service is appreciated.

Answer 7

I usually throw in any loose change that I have. One year, I had been meaning to get the clasp on my wrist watch repaired. As I went to toss the coins into the kettle, my wrist watch slide right off my wrist and into their kettle. Now, imagine how that looked to others with me digging around in the Salvation Army kettle just before Christmas!

Answer 8

Never ignore them! Salvation Army helped my family years ago when we were needy, I always donate clothes & what ever money I have on me at the time I throw it in the kettles.

Answer 9

I put something in the kettle every time even if it's only a dollar.

Answer 10

It depends on the day. If I have some money in my pocket, then I'll give some, but most of the time I spend with a card. It will also depend on the bell ringer, some of them are not easy to go up to.

Answer 11

I put something in the kettles when I first start seeing them out, but after awhile, I just ignore them.