The Journey Continues:
My journey towards Christmas has taken me to the iconic Red Kettles Campaign of the Salvation Army which provides opportunity to share one’s time, funds, and talents. My wife Judy and I make it a practice to ring the bell at Christmas; we shared a 10-hour stint last Friday at Cabela’s in Buda. I feel warmth by the spirit when I share willingly with others. Ringing the bell is an investment not only for those in need but also for me — a “pay it forward” as responsible adults for the many blessings I have received.
Acts 20:35 (KJV) says: “I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Program is remarkable. While many of us recognize the kettles, how many know of the humble beginning behind them? In 1891, Captain Joseph McFee stationed with the Salvation Army in San Francisco was distraught over the many poor people going hungry. His hope and his prayer were to provide a free dinner at Christmas for the poverty-stricken and destitute… but he had no funding for such a project. As he lay awake, his thoughts drifted back to his sailor days in Liverpool, England. He recalled how at the stage landing where the boats came in, a large iron kettle nicknamed “Simpson’s Pot” stood on the dock where passengers leaving the ships could toss in a few coins to help the poor. With this inspiration, McFee started the next day to copy that idea. The success of his San Francisco kettle program spread to other Salvation Army sites and today is celebrated and recognized around the world.
The Salvation Army has locations throughout Hays County with a goal of bell ringers at the sites daily, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Dec. 24.
This year, masks, gloves and hygiene wipes are provided for every volunteer to wear during their shift. The challenge of coordinating the locations and scheduling of volunteers is entrusted to Fran Ramirez, who can be contacted at either 512- 557-3081 or by visiting her email for sign up: franaoberti@gmail.com. Fran always needs more volunteers and encourages you, your family and friends to be Christmas icons for our communities. Often, service clubs and churches take an entire day’s block of time. Mike Smith, service chair for the San Marcos’ Noon Day Lion’s Club, organized the Lions last Saturday, Nov. 28, for shifts at the San Marcos Wal-Mart.
Greatly missed this year is the leadership of Kathy McNiel, past servanthearted director of the local center. Due to illness she was unable to take this role this year. She is missed. The new Service Center Manage is Lisa Cruz.
The Advent Season has begun — last Sunday the Candle was lit in the name of “Hope.” Readers, in 1 Peter we are told to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (2:15 NIV).
