Local man doing the most good to give back

Part of the holiday shopping experience at the Kessler grocery store is getting a friendly greeting from Paul Bingham.

Dressed in a red vest, standing next to a Salvation Army red kettle and ringing a bell, he’s hard to miss. The ups driver helped kick off Monday’s red kettle program to benefit those in need this holiday season.

“It occurred to me that even though there was plenty of people in the community who were willing to give and drop money in that bucket there weren’t enough people to volunteer to ring those bells.”

He is one of a handful of volunteers who will ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign this Christmas shopping season. Paul says he didn’t feel he was doing enough to give back to the community until the inspiration came from the unlikeliest source

“I got home very late from work one night and there was a Hallmark movie on, and it was about a gentleman who found himself in a little bit of trouble because he lost his temper at a ball game, and as a result he was assigned to do community service and one of the things he was asked to do was ring the bell for salvation army. at the end of the movie, i said to my wife that’s something i can do I’m going to find some way to sign up in the morning.”

And that’s how Paul landed a bell in his hand an altruistic spirit in his heart.

“It’s been a big decline.”

Lieutenant Tami Moore says while it’s an iconic tradition the need for bell ringers has seen a decline in recent years.

“The people who used to love and do it every year they’ve gotten older and it’s harder for them to be out in the cold. the younger generation, we’re trying to get them motivated to help and get out there an serve.”

Monday’s kickoff brought out familiar faces including Lieutenant Governor-elect Janice McGeachin. “I think it’s really important that we support each other in our efforts, in the community large or small there are so many good things that can be done to help other people.”

Regardless of what the circumstances may be, you can bet Paul will be doing the most good.

“I Feel it’s a necessity to give back to the community and know that there are many people that go through difficulties much greater than what I’ve experienced.”

If you would like to volunteer for the Red Kettle Drive click here for information on how to sign up.