Have you ever worked or volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army? Let me tell you, it can be both rewarding and disheartening. Have you ever dropped money into a red kettle? The feeling that comes over a ringer when a donation is made is warming. It makes one feel like his labor is not in vain. However, I'm sure NOTHING compared to the feeling the ringer must have had when a donation of $500,000 was dropped into one kettle! That's right, 1/2 a million!

So, Saturday, a check for $500,000 was dropped into the kettle at a Cubs Food in Rosemount, Minnesota. According to a Minnesota newspaper, the donation is said to have come from a couple who made the gift in hopes of encouraging others to give generously.

Beautiful story, right? Well, let me just tell you something: If I had been the ringer that brought in that check (excuse my grammar/double negative, but) YOU COULDN'T TELL ME NOTHING!!!

Now, I'm not sure how the process goes once the ringer returns to the Salvation Army with that day's donations, but I would imagine the person to go in and open the kettle before witnesses for the money to be counted. If I was that ringer, as soon as that check was unfolded, it would no longer be about the services being provided. Oh no! It then becomes MY show!

"Look at what I brought in!"

"Man, they weren't even going to give it if I wasn't there! I rang that bell, smiled, and encouraged them to give."

"They said they wanted me to have 10%, but I'm not even going to be greedy. I'll take 5%."

"You want me to go back out there tomorrow? As you can see, I bring in those GOOD donations."

"I think I at least deserve a reserved parking spot after this!"

(Talking to other ringers) "Hey, how much did you bring in today? Oh, that ain't nothing. Today, I brought in over $500,000!"

Yes, I know I'd go home with the same amount of money with which I started my day. But for at least the next 3 days, NOBODY would want to be my friend.

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