I have given......now leave me alone.

'Tis the season for the Salvation Army bell ringers. They're outside almost every business I visit on a weekly basis. They annoy me to say the least. But this post also includes the "donations" made at the check-out line at the local grocery stores or the local fast food joints...for Juvenile Diabetes or whatever cause. "Would you like to donate $1.00 to (insert cause here)?" Every.time.you.check.out. I typically give once. The first time they ask, I give. The second, third, fourth and even fifth time, I decline.

My question is, how often do I have to drop $ into the little red bucket of the bell ringer or give at the check-out line until I've given "enough"? Without feeling guilty for saying, "Thanks, but no".

I understand that this time of year and this particular way brings in a large percentage of the Salvation Army's operating budget for the next year. I understand. But that doesn't mean I like it.

And here's why. It's my own guilt. I cannot afford to drop $ in the little red bucket every time I see a bell ringer. They're everywhere! I'd be digging $ out of my purse and pockets every time I got out of the car! And I feel guilty about that. Don't you think I want to give? I do. I want to be able to help everybody. Unfortuantely, I can't. I can barely help myself, let alone all the poor souls in CB. Shoot, I'm one of the people on the very verge of needing Salvation Army's help. In fact, if I lost my job today, I'd be in need immediately.

So when I see a Salvation Army bell ringer or the girl at the checkout asks, I'd like a little sign I could hold up or a sticker on the outside of my coat that shows that I've given.....that I'm not just walking by, ignoring them, or sticking my nose up at them. Something that says, "I HAVE GIVEN".

"Now leave me alone".