Instead of our regular meeting, Edmond Rotarians will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army. If you’ve never done this before, you are in for a treat. The Salvation Army, the bell ringers and the red kettles, have come to be a regular part of an American Christmas. But the Salvation Army is so much more than just that.

    Last year, in one of my emails, I told the following story, which I think starts to illustrate who the Salvation Army is and what the Salvation Army has done for well over 100 years. During the First World War, a company of doughboys (as American soldiers were then called) found itself in the unfortunate position of being behind enemy lines in France. This was a serious problem, as trenches filled with armed enemy soldiers separated the company from the rest of American forces.

    They snaked their way around and through the enemy lines, and finally made it back to friendly territory. Their greeting came not from American, British or French troops, but from the soldiers of the Salvation Army, armed with coffee pots and smiles.

    When I was a small child, I heard this story from my grandfather, who was one of those doughboys. As it has done since its founding over 100 years ago by William Booth and his wife, Catherine, the Salvation Army met these soldiers where they had needs.

    I have rarely come across a group of people who are so willing to do whatever they can to help others as are the people of the Salvation Army. From Disaster Relief to Adult Rehabilitation, the Salvationists regularly put their faith into action, always helping people in whatever way they can.

    So wear a big smile and “ring in” the Christmas season this week as the Rotary Club of Edmond rings bells at Edmond Wal-Mart Stores for the Salvation Army.

    Andy