It’s that time of year: Holiday shopping, tree buying and bell ringing.
Salvation Army bells, that is.
Ever wonder about the people who stand outside ringing the bell, collecting coins in a small red kettle?
We did. So we stole a couple minutes from Leslie Morales, an Ansonia woman, who was standing outside the Ansonia Stop & Shop on behalf of the Salvation Army this month.
Valley Indy: How many days do you do this and is it volunteer?
Morales: “I do this five days a week, four hours each day. Someone can do it volunteer or paid. I get paid.”
Valley Indy: Obviously standing in the cold collecting coins for the poor may not pay too much. Is there another reason you do this?
Morales: “It feels good to help other people and it helps me to help my family.”
Valley Indy: Do you have another job?
Morales: “I’m a stay-at-home mom.”
Valley Indy: Do you volunteer at the Salvation Army or do this other times of the year?
Morales: “Mostly Christmas.”
Valley Indy: Sorry I passed you on the way in. I had to make sure I brought enough money to pick up juice and cat food first, then I looked for change on the way out.
Morales: “That’s okay. Most people put change in on the way out too.”
Valley Indy: So, do you have a goal of how much you want to collect?
Morales: “I can’t answer for the agency, but I personally don’t.”
Valley Indy: When do you stop doing this?
Morales: “We stop Christmas Eve.”
Valley Indy: Really? Are you going to be doing this Christmas Eve?
Morales: “Yes, I am. I’m going to be here up until 2 p.m.”
Valley Indy: That’s great. What does this money go to? I mean, what exactly is it collected for?
Morales: “It goes towards feeding, clothing and other needs all year long.”
(Click here to see the Salvation Army’s website description of the charity.)
Valley Indy: How many years have you been doing this?
Morales: “Two years. Like I said, it feels good to help people in need.”
Valley Indy: Would you like to say anything else?
Morales: “Just that you should think about people less fortunate than yourself. Even if you can give a little, it will help someone in need.”
Leslie Morales will be outside Ansonia Stop and Shop until Dec. 24. To make direct donations to the Ansonia Salvation Army, contact Major Theresa Burkholder at 203 – 736-0707.
Click here to read about the origin of the red kettles during Christmas time.
