It's the holiday season and the hard-working Salvation Army volunteers are out ringing their bells for the annual Kettle Campaign.
Four days a week, married couple Mary and Dennis Woodman go out for their two-hour bell-ringing shift, an activity Mary describes as "good food for the soul."
"If you're having a blue moment in your life, volunteering is the way to go," she said. "It's nice to make a difference in somebody's life and know you're helping out and giving back to the community."
The two always talked about volunteering with the Salvation Army, and when the opportunity to join Kettles came up, they decided it was where they needed to be.
Dennis added that the Kettle Campaign is looking for more people and donating your time can be just as valuable as contributing financially.
The Campaign is one month, and individuals can choose their volunteer shifts to fit their schedule.
"A lot of people you see say, 'oh, you know, I was planning on doing that, but I forgot,' but it's not too late. There's still time to do this. They do it right to the 24th, and there are still openings," he said.
They both agree it's incredible to see the generosity of Orillia residents reach into their pockets and donate whatever they can.
"You see some people dig through their purses for a few coins when you know they don't have anything," Dennis said. "That says something…it doesn't have to be $20 or $50; people give what they can."
"The pennies, dimes, nickels, it all matters," Mary added. "And it's all going to a good cause."
To volunteer for the Kettle Campaign, call 705-345-2601.
