Salvation Army launching its new online "Register to Ring" program
The Fox Valley Area Salvation Army, with local units in Aurora, Elgin and the St. Charles Tri-City corps, is making it as easy as possible for volunteer bell-ringers to get involved.
Anyone who makes shopping rounds during the holiday season can tell they can use a lot of bell-ringers at this time of year. In fact, the Fox Valley Area Salvation Army says its volunteers will ring bells at the donation kettles at more than 100 locations throughout Kane and Kendall counties.
So how do you volunteer? If you are part of a service club, it is generally easy to sign up as a club member. If not, the Salvation Army is launching its new online "Register to Ring" program this year at registertoring.com/.
It's fun to say hello to people who make donations when you are a bell ringer, and it is amazing how generous people are at this time of year. I tell you this from experience. I volunteered for more than 25 years through my service club.
Gambling common sense
Common sense prevailed when St. Charles officials recently voted to allow video gambling machines in the city, but with the caveat of making sure the state intends to support the concept with money - from a budget that still doesn't exist.
It was wise for the city to debate the pros and cons of allowing video gambling, but ultimately you don't want to get caught saying no to a potential revenue flow. Especially when it is revenue area residents will take elsewhere if they are inclined to enjoy playing the games and their favorite places in St. Charles don't offer it.
Plus, if it doesn't work out for any number of reasons - the biggest being the foolish behavior taking place in Springfield - then no one can say the city didn't at least try to help its own coffers with a popular form of legal entertainment.
Fancy messages
A few weeks ago, I mentioned it was amazing to see a digital advertising board in the front of the Corfu restaurant on the west side of St. Charles.
Now, Berry's Barbershop in downtown St. Charles has one glowing from its storefront window.
Everyone must be following the lead of the Arcada Theatre from a few years ago. Get rid of the old advertising methods and go with more current technology. The real message is no matter how long you've been in business, it's never too late to update.
'Small World' dinner
So, we all know that the "It's a Small World" ride at Disney World pretty much drives us nuts, right?
Don't let that stop you from supporting Mutual Ground at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church's first ethnic-themed dinner.
Yes, they went with that theme all the way for this community event and it's even called "It's a Small World."
The dinner takes place from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Sugar Grove Community Building, 141 Main St.
Those attending can make donations to Mutual Ground, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Event organizers recognize that Mutual Ground is suffering from the lack of help from the state and its endless budget bickering. The shelter recently raised $80,000 at a fundraising walk, but is in need of more help. In the past, it had counted on more than $670,000 from the state.
Clothes for winter
If you patronize, or are just aware of, a Merlin's 200,000 Miles Shop in the area, you should also know that the auto repair business has started its Snug Hugs for Kids clothing drive.
Merlin's has locations in St. Charles, Batavia and Aurora.
Through Dec. 15, those interested in helping can drop off new and like-new winter coats, gloves, boots, hats, scarves and snow pants. You know, all of the stuff we use to keep us warm during winter. The outerwear should be for kids from newborn to 18 years old.
Those who donate may receive, while supplies last, a 97.1 FM rock music calendar or a youth's ticket voucher for the Chicago Wolves hockey team.
All donations benefit the Children's Home and Aid organization.
dheun@sbcglobal.net