Ringing the digital bell

Ever since I was a kid I’ve always enjoyed dropping money into the Salvation Army’s red kettles at Christmas time. Once I vowed that anytime I saw a kettle I would empty my pockets of whatever spare change I had.

Here’s the problem with that policy in the 21^st century—I very rarely have spare change in my pocket, or cash in my wallet for that matter. More and more I pay for things with a credit card or some other form of electronic payment.

Last night was a case in point. I stopped at the grocery store on my way home from work to pick up some milk and juice. I was planning to use my credit card. But there was the lonely bell ringer standing outside the store—and Scrooge McRooney had nothing to give him.

One year I actually volunteered to ring the bell a couple times. I enjoyed it a lot. I found it to be very fulfilling and I’ve wanted to do it again ever since, but I never seem to find the time. Does that make me a bad person?

Anyway, I’m trying to make up for all of this by hosting an online kettle. You can click on the link on this blog to make a donation.

Merry Christmas. God bless us, everyone.