Bell-ringers embody spirit of the season

Lonnie Hubbard rings a Salvation Army bell not just to help raise money for the organization, but also to share his faith.

“Tomorrow is the Lord’s birthday,” Hubbard shouted Saturday. “Merry Christmas.”

Christmas Eve was the last day for Salvation Army bell-ringers to raise funds in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.

Hubbard was manning his regular post this year in front of a Rosauers grocery store on West Francis in Spokane.

“I do this to tell people about our Savior,” said the 50-year-old, who gives credit to God for saving his life on three occasions.

Hubbard belted out Christmas tunes such as “Joy to the World” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” while he rang the bell. He paused only to say “God bless you” or “Merry Christmas,” when people passed by or pushed a donation through the kettle’s slot.

Hubbard’s singing may have been a bit off-key, but his Christmas spirit was pure.

“He’s the best bell-ringer,” said Spokane resident Phyllis Shaffer, as she fished money from her wallet. “He’s encouraging. He’s helpful. He gives us all his heart.”

The Salvation Army had 48 bell-ringing sites in the Spokane area this year, said Christy Markham, a development associate. She expected Spokane’s fund-raising goal of $210,000 to be easily met.

“The biggest fund raising usually occurs the last weekend before Christmas,” Markham said. “As people get closer to Christmas, that idea of giving gets stronger, and it may also be because there are more shoppers out.”

The largest gift this year was $300.

In addition to checks, cash and change, “we always get some odd things,” Markham said. “Last year, we got someone’s engagement ring. I think she left a note, so we were able to get a hold of her and ask if she intended to put her ring in the kettle.” She told the organization she was ending a relationship and decided she wanted to give the ring away.

“The Spokane community has been very generous this year,” said Markham. He said that Texaco was also helping out this year. The corporation had picked seven kettle sites in Spokane where it would match contributions.

Hubbard’s location was one of those sites. He said one woman bumped up her donation to $50 when she realized it would be doubled. Another man wrote a check for $100.

This was Hubbard’s third year ringing bells for the Salvation Army. The Sacheen Lake man said during the rest of year he does odd jobs for people who hire him.

“Most bell-ringers are paid workers,” Markham said. “Some have been doing it for 10 years, and this is their favorite time of year. One lady saves stuffed animals all year long to be able to hand them out.”

Hubbard’s experiences with the public have been positive, he said. The biggest struggle he had was with people who wanted him to say “Happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

But after he explained that his tidings come from his religious beliefs, they accepted his blessings.