Where did the Salvation Army Santas go?

[fuzzybuddy]

When I came out of KMart at Xmas time, there would be a Salvation Santa ringing for donations. My KMart folded up a few years ago. I'm not sure if Wallyworld allows them. I kind of home bound now, so I don't get around. Where did the Salvation Army Santas go?

 

[jujube]

I hadn't thought about that, but you're absolutely right. No Santas outside the stores anywhere, just the "bell-ringers" who I think are paid to do that.

I remember as a kid, being confused about how many Santas there were. Mom would always explain that they were just Santa's "helpers".

 

[RadishRose]

I give, but I hate the incessant bell ringing. What can't they stop for a few seconds now and then?

 

[Ken N Tx]

Its all about $$$$ not Santa!!

 

[Marie5656]

I hadn't thought about that, but you're absolutely right. No Santas outside the stores anywhere, just the "bell-ringers" who I think are paid to do that.

".

Up here they are all volunteers. I have done it with friends a couple times.

 

[retiredtraveler]

The long and short of it is volunteers. The stats I've looked at show lowering numbers of volunteering in most states. People are willing to give money, but time is another issue. I'm in a local environmental group where we have a pretty good sized number of members, but about a dozen of us, out of hundreds, who do 99% of the actual work.
BTW, stats show that Pennsylvania (OP is from there, I think), as being in the bottom half of volunteer hours for charities.

The proper name for the ringers are Red Kettle Bell ringers. We have a number of kettles around town, but often, not manned due to lack of volunteers.

 

[chic]

You're right. I haven't seen a Salvation Army Santa in years. Another Christmas tradition bites the dust.

 

[Iodine]

I thought I was seeing them at Wal-mart but I guess they aren't really wearing a Santa outfit. They do wear a red jacket with a white trim, does that count?

 

[Ruthanne]

I saw one at the local Drug Mart.

 

[Pappy]

There was a guy standing around in front of Publix market yesterday, but he was too busy talking on his cell to ring a bell. Now that I think of it, I’m not sure he had a bell.

 

[Aunt Bea]

I suppose that not many people carry cash anymore so it limits kettle donations.

I'm afraid that the poor old bell ringers will eventually go the way of the payphone and the newspaper man on the corner.

 

[debbie in seattle]

You're right. I haven't seen a Salvation Army Santa in years. Another Christmas tradition bites the dust.

Now that you mention it, haven’t seen them either!

 

[CindyLouWho]

There was a woman Bell Ringer outside of my Publix store the other day, but, nope....no Santa outfit.

 

[HiDesertHal]

Maybe the Army isn't supporting their cause anymore, so I'm now looking for a Salvation Navy or a Salvation Marine Corps, or a Salvation Air Force. Yes...and maybe even a Salvation Coast Guard. too.

HiDesertHal

 

[SeaBreeze]

I see a lot of red kettle bell ringers in front of all the supermarkets and Walmart by me. Honestly, I don't recall if any were dressed exactly like a Santa Claus, but they all seemed to wear red and white outfits.