It's that time of the year again.....rushing around, shopping, family gatherings and those bell ringers that man the Salvation Army kettles. I always drop what change I have in my pocket in the bucket without much care or concern. I actually did some research on this since last year and wanted to share what I found. Most of these people are volunteers and a few are paid seasonal employees. Obviously, if they have adequate volunteers they do not pay, but this effort represents 70% of their total dollars collected for the year. These donations help them pay for shelters, meal programs, Christmas toys, after-school programs and emergency assistance. Knowing what I know now, I will give more and will thank those that are ringing the bells.....whether paid or volunteer those are long hours on your feet in cold, wet weather and they stand for so many programs. Thanks to all that ring and give.