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Hernando Today

Bell Ringers Face Hard Times

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: December 18, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - "God bless you, have a wonderful day," Shaina Mock tells the woman leaving Wal-Mart who dropped a donation in one of her red Salvation Army kettles.

"Merry Christmas," Mock says to others, whether they place money into the pot or not.

Mock, 26, is part of the local 100-plus army of Salvation Army bell-ringers collecting money for the less fortunate.

Ironically, Mock herself has hit a rough patch in her life. Like hundreds of others, Mock was laid off from her job.

She works about 30 hours a week ringing the bell and gets $6.79 an hour, minimum wage. That's a far cry from the $25,000 a year or so she says she made when she was a truss coordinator for Cox Lumber two years ago.

Mock says the money, combined with the salary her husband makes, will help pay the bills.

"I wanted to volunteer but I lost my job and I have a son so I need some money," Mock says, her hand still ringing the ever-present bell. "I can't find a job anywhere."

Mock, who used to volunteer as a bell-ringer when times were better, says she hears the same refrain from many of the hundreds of people she meets and greets daily.

"A lot of them say, 'This is all I have; I wish I could give more.'"

Donations range from a few pennies to $20 dollar bills. About one out of every 10 people donates, she says.

She started out saying "Happy Holidays" to folks but, changed to "Merry Christmas" after some people told her they were tired of hearing the generic greeting.

Donations started to pick up after that, she says.

Lt. Samuel Kim, corps officer with the Hernando County Salvation Army, says he would love to have an all-volunteer bell ringing force.

But there aren't that many around, he says.

This year, thanks to local organizations, he has about 50 to 60 volunteers and about 40 paid ringers.

So far, Kim says his crews have raised about $72,000, up from $68,000 last year.

But last year, the $68,000 raised was from only 10 sites. He expanded to 27 sites this year so the $4,000 increase doesn't seem that much when put into perspective.

Kim says more people are giving this year but their donations are less.

Money collected from the kettle drives helps provide food and social service assistance for the area's needy.

In addition, the Salvation Army sponsors its annual Angel Tree program, which makes it possible for children to have toys under the tree for Christmas.

This year, the local chapter will assist about 700 local children in that program, Kim says.

He's glad to help out people like Mock who want to supplement their income during these rough economic times.

But he's also aware that much of the profits from the kettles will have to go out to pay the ringers.

Kim says his crews will be out in force through Christmas Eve. As always, they don't ring the bells on Sundays.

Mock says she will be stationed in front of the Wal-Mart until then.

When this seasonal job ends Dec. 24, she is hoping to get an extension on her unemployment compensation.

Nick Morana, a member of the Military Officers Association of America, dropped by Mock's station Thursday morning to make a donation.

Morana did a stint as bell-ringer earlier this month outside Belk Department Store off State Road 50.

The first thing he did was drop a $100 donation into his kettle, says Morana, who is active in various community and government affairs.

Morana says he applauds the Salvation Army bell-ringers — not only for the work they do in raising money for good causes, but for spreading Christmas cheer to everyone they meet.

It just wouldn't be Christmas without them, he says.

Mock agrees that the bells are part of the holiday spirit.

She says she gets teased by some people who say she will get carpal tunnel syndrome from constantly ringing her bell.

She admits her fingers get tired, but it's not that bad.

"The bell doesn't bother me," Mock says. "The only thing that bothers me is the people who try to ignore me by sneaking out the far door. I just yell 'Merry Christmas' a little louder."

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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