Salvation Army - Real Estate Wednesdays
We have all seen the Salvation Army bell ringers in front of stores during the holidays. And yes, it is easy to avoid eye contact and head into the store to avoid giving to the little red bucket. And when we exit we again focus on avoiding eye contract and head to our cars for the next stop on this holiday merry-go-round we are all on. So much to do, so little time, limited funds to donate.
As a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Ahwatukee, I signed up for a shift ringing the bell for the Salvation Army one afternoon and was amazed at the generosity of people passing by. Some stopped and put in $20, some a $5 and some added change. Some gave their children money to put in and they would take turns putting money in the Red Kettle that has come to symbolize collecting money for the Salvation Army.
So, with all the charities asking for donations, why give to the Salvation Army? Who do they really help? Why should they be considered for a donation when there are so many other worthy organizations out there?
As the many people contributing on Wednesday mentioned, they or their families have benefited from this organization. Some many, many years ago mentioned the depression, some had more recent experiences. This is an organization that doesn't judge those in need. There are many programs supported by the Salvation Army. They include; Adult Rehabilitation, Emergency Disaster programs, Homeless services, Senior centers, Youth programs, and the Salvation Army Thrift stores. The Salvation Army is here to meet the metal, physical and spiritual needs of the community. Worship services are conducted at several of the Salvation Army locations around the valley. These centers offer counseling, youth participation in sports, education and music. Members of the community are helped from infants to the elderly. Often this charity is what keeps families together and provides the spiritual glue to hold families together in uncertain times. Some benefit from one program or service while other benefit long term.
The people giving to the little red kettle last Monday received help from the Salvation Army in many cities across the country. Many were happy to give and mentioned they also had mailed in a donation or given at other locations as well. Some experienced youth sports programs while others were grateful for a meal and shelter during difficult times.
We all need to give back to the communities. There are many ways to do to. Many of us contribute to our churches and schools. As with all charitable giving, we need to be sure that the organization we are giving to, truly benefits the community in a meaningful way. The Salvation Army has stood the test of time, meeting the need of people who never thought they would need assistance. Those who have been though hurricanes, floods and tornados have found their days and lives turned upside down as a natural disaster has struck. There is no way to plan for nature's wrath.
Real Estate Wednesdays is spearheaded by Joanne & Joseph Callaway, learned of a great need for Bell Ringers on Wednesdays, a day when the Salvation Army had difficulty providing Bell Ringers for many locations. The Callaways reached out to other Realtors in the community to fill this void and give back to the community. As realtors we help build communities, help families achieve the American dream of home ownership and building community.
All Realtors I know who have participated in Real Estate Wednesdays have been appreciative of the opportunity to give back to the community through this organization and humbled by the experience. For more information on Real Estate Wednesdays click on the attached link to the Salvation Army Real Estate website.
Shirley A Coomer
Keller Williams Realty
602.770.0643
Comments(3)