EXPERIENCES FROM RINGING THE SALVATION ARMY BELL

The Christmas elf has made three local appearances ringing the Salvation Army Bell. The first was at Forbing Kroger. The second at Super Walmart on Airline. The last was Shreveport’s Government Plaza.
 
Each bell ringing session provided many surprises and good memories.
 
Here is a smattering of comments/questions made to the Elf with the bell:
 
1.   What sex is an Elf
 
2.   Have you made my gifts from Santa
 
3.   Do you get a cut out of the money dropped into the red kettle
 
4.   Can you give me change for a $100 bill so I can drop a dollar in the bucket
 
5.   You should dress this way at your day job
 
6.   What do Elves eat for snacks
 
7.   What is the pay and the hours for Elf work
 
8.   Where do you go for holidays.
 
And there are always some smart alecks who make X-rated remarks.
 
Having three bell-ringing sessions under my belt, I have learned some tips for those who want to give it a try. Here are some:
 
a.   Locate the nearest bathroom at the location before you start ringing
 
b.   Take a chair in a bag—a four-hour shift standing can be very tiring
 
c.   Take charcoal briquets to hand out as lumps of coal to tightwads who don’t give
 
d.   Boo and hiss at the people who look for another entrance to avoid walking by you
 
e.   Be ready for photo op requests from children
 
f.    Take water, snacks, and if it’s cold, hand warmers and hot chocolate
 
g.   Alternate your hands ringing the bell to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome
 
h.   Play Christmas music on a battery-operated boom box.
 
Each year the local Salvation Army needs bell ringers at many locations. If interested, call 318 424-3200. The Salvation Army will deliver the bell, the red bucket and the stand to your location and pick it up after your shift.