Christmas Wish List

Each year for the past several years I have sent my Christmas Wish List to my daughter and siblings.

My List?

Rather than spending money and shipping costs to send a gift to me, I have asked them to make a donation to their favorite charity and to help someone who is in real need to have a little happier time during the holidays.

Soon it will be bell-ringing season for the Salvation Army. I consider the Army worthy of all donations, large and small. As you pass the bell-ringers this year, put some money in. Put some in each time you pass a bell-ringer, even if it is only $5 or $1 or some change. Every little bit counts.

And it also helps to make your contribution now and not wait until the last minute.

Hello? Hear that bell a-ringing? No standing in line at the bell. No taking off your mittens on a freezing cold day. No saying, "I'll give on the way out (and then ducking out the other door)."

You can make a donation right now at https://secure.salvationarmyusa.org/site/Donation2?idb=494061202&1868.donation=form1&df_id=1868&FR_ID=1270&PROXY_ID=1210201&PROXY_TYPE=20

'tis the season

Now's the time to ring that bell, and the next time you hear that bell? Drop in a few dollars.

Outside area businesses for the next month will be the bellringers for the Salvation Army. You'll hear that familiar bell often. Dig down for those coins and, when you open your wallet or purse, let the moths escape and reach for those $1 and $5 bills.

When you make a donation to the Salvation Army, you help others. It's a good feeling!

And you - yes, YOU - can be a bellringer. Call the Salvation Army on Monday to sign up for a two-hour shift. Or longer. Or more than one. In this area call the SA in Crystal Lake at (815) 455-2769.

You may see a red stand and empty bell hook outside a store. This means that no one signed up for that slot. Come on, McHenry County. We can do better than that.

And just because you gave once, does not mean that you cannot give again. Got one of those Gold Coins collecting dust in a bottom drawer. Surprise us all and drop it in.

How much would you like to donate this year? $100? $50? $25? Five bucks in five buckets will be your $25. Or how about $5 in ten buckets AND a check for $50 in #11?

Start today...