Fun in the Sun for the Salvation Army in Wyandotte

It’s always sunny in Wyandotte.

I’m thankful for that, especially on Friday when I volunteered as a bell ringer for the . The unseasonably warm day only added to the fun.

The charity has become a Christmas tradition. The bells and red kettles of the Salvation Army are synonymous with the holiday season. (If you would like to volunteer, you can register online.)

Community service is part of the mission at Patch, where I work as an associate regional editor in eight communities, including Wyandotte Patch.

Patch asks that we Give 5—volunteer five times a year—and I made sure I wore extra layers of clothes to keep me warm as I toiled and tolled for the Salvation Army on Friday.

But I hardly needed a hat in the sunshine.

Stationed in front of the on Oak Street, I jingled and jangled for 90 minutes. The bell fell apart once and clattered on the sidewalk. I hustled to put it back together and resumed ringing.

That was the only hiccup. Otherwise, people stopped and smiled, their pleasant moods matching the weather. Some dropped in generous donations and others chatted about their day.

I stood there, and I soaked it all up—the sun included.

Thank you, Wyandotte.