I was a ding-a-ling for the Salvation Army. Okay, so it's not as dramatic as "I was a COMMUNIST for the FBI!" But, it's true. There I was, on Tuesday, standing in front of a Wal-Mart SuperCenter, in my little red apron, ringing my leather strap of bells. Just to brag a little: I have an apron with my name stitched right at the top. (My wife has also stitched my name in most of my other clothing but that is more of a precautionary measure.) I also have my own personal bell but I left it at home because I hate to cause a case of clapper envy on the part of any other ringer.

It was a perfect day for ringing. Warm sunshine everywhere. Several generous folks...and there were many like the family of eight who each put something good in the kettle or the woman who unfolded a fiver...commented on the good weather: "Oh, sure! You'd show up outside on this kind of day but where will you be this weekend when it gets slick and cold?" Well, to be honest, I'll be hiding under my bed at home. But, it does point up the fact that the real volunteers for the Salvation Army are out there in all kinds of conditions. They can take the same oath as my brother the mailman!

We were serenaded by the Salvation Army Band, which sounded great, despite my pathetic attempts at rhythmic ringing. My bells sounded a little bit like one of Santa's reindeer doing the merengue while wearing clogs. Captain Kettle was also on hand. He...or she?...was a big hit with the little kids who came by the bell-stand. One mom asked her little one, as they approached, "Do you want to shake hands with the big, round, odd-looking thing in red?" And her toddler came directly to me with hand outstretched.

Last year, I was ringing the bells with the Kansas City icon Carl DiCapo at a donut shop. Carl pulled in the crowds. Years before, I had the fun of bells on the Plaza with my kids when they were all on the small side and still too young to be embarrassed to be seen with me. I'd ring. They'd chase! If someone dared stroll by without making the kettle clang, the kids would run them down like an episode of COPS!--Munchkin Land!

So, I've had my chances to make nice noise but it's those volunteers who are out there each and everyday, year in and year out, who really make the difference. Thanks to all of you Ring-a-Lings from a once-in-awhile Ding-A-Ling.