As shoppers begin gathering gifts for the Christmas season and winter holidays, the sound of bells ringing is nearly ubiquitous outside the shops we frequent most. At times, these bells are part of a Christmas carol; but most of the time, they are the product of the Salvation Army bell ringers.
December is the busiest month for the Salvation Army, and the time when it receives the most donations. These go to help fund the myriad helping programs each Salvation Army location provides for the citizens of its community.
But bell ringing and the subsequent donations are not the only yuletide efforts the organization makes. Another popular and successful way to give back through the Salvation Army is the Angel Tree, where a shopper may pick card off the tree in order to buy a gift and some life essentials for a child in need.
The Angel Tree table in Tulsa's Woodland Hill's mall. Three volunteers and one employee answer any questions potential gift-givers may have, and collect the gifts.
A family speaks with the Salvation Army employee.
Although the tree is nearly empty, the former occupants' requests being shopped for by generous gift-givers, Ayeana's card still waits to be picked.
As shoppers return with the items the families have requested for their children, the donations are kept safe on site till they can be prepared to deliver.
In addition to the bell-ringers' tins outside the mall, shoppers have another chance to give.
Chantal, an OSU freshman and member of the CKI service organization, rings the bell outside Wal-Mart in Stillwater.
Volunteers had been outside the old Wal-Mart since 9 that morning. Now, at 7 p.m., two OSU student volunteers since carols as they try to keep warm, waiting for donations.
Those ringing the bell and waiting for donations are always happy to see money dropped into the tin; but it makes the moment even better when the donation comes with a smile.
The sign tells the story; each donation does the most in can to bring good to the community.
This little guy seems pretty enticed by his reward.
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