By Ken Robinson

Managing Editor

She looked cold In the entryway to Fred Meyer where she sat in a power wheelchair ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

Most shoppers walked by, earnestly pushing empty carts on their way inside.

I put two bucks into the red can. She blessed me.

Her hair is thick and brown and looks almost like a hat. Her eyes are brown and luminous.

The wheelchair did not look new so I suspect  she had been using it for some time, perhaps permanently consigned to it because of her disability. 

I asked her if she was able to stay warm with the doors opening and closing constantly. She said she was allowed to go inside where it was warmer for only 15 minutes at a time. And that she had not even had time for a hot chocolate.

We got her a hot chocolate (no whip) from the Starbucks just inside the store where others were lined up for hot drinks redolent of peppermint and hazelnut.

She really didn’t have a place to set the drink so held it in her free hand while continuing to ring the bell.

I guessed her age at 35 or so. Her smile is warm and genuine. And she was doing something that most of us would not do even though we are able. She was using her time and ability to help others even less fortunate than most. 

We had to wonder what would impel such a person to give her time, to sit in a cold vestibule on behalf of people she would never really get to know but who she knew could use some help. To us, this is the strongest kind of person in our community. She may not be able to walk, ever. But she is doing what she can. We applaud her and thank her.

While we speed through life, often brushing past people who are slowed in the human race, there are opportunities to lend a hand. 

The story in this week’s paper about donations of food and money gathered by employees of the Nucor corporation is a good example. Kudos to the helpers there and to others in the community who quietly help without expecting anything in return. 

We know there are many good people helping others behind the scenes in churches, food banks and other organizations in the community. 

They deserve a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.