The BoneBlog

This morning I participated in the area's 50th Old Newsboys Day, a fundraising campaign for local children's charities in which volunteers stand on street corners hawking special editions of the newspaper.  It takes place the Thursday before Thanksgiving every year, from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m.

This morning when I started it was 35 degrees, dark, and blustery.  On the bright side, the forecasted snow failed to arrive, so at least it was dry. 

I was completely blown away by the generosity of the people in our town.  I didn't have the best corner this year (the one I've reserved for next year will likely be much more lucrative) but I still managed to raise $121.05 by selling 60 papers.  A few people gave me $10 for a paper, several gave $5, and one guy came by twice to buy papers! 

If that weren't enough, I stationed myself right next to a QuikTrip, and although QT was already my favorite convenience store / gas station before this morning, it is even more so now -- because an employee brought me a cup of hot chocolate.  Not only that, but before 5 more minutes passed, a man donated money for a paper and brought more hot chocolate.  Anybody can donate money, but for complete strangers to think about someone standing in the cold wind like that -- and to try to make things more pleasant for her -- is really something. 

When I first began this adventure this morning, I wasn't sure I'd do it again next year.  I thought the weather was a real turn-off.  However, after getting such a pick-me-up from witnessing others' generosity, I'm pretty certain I'll be out there again next year, hawking papers with the rest of the Old Newsboys.  Maybe I'll even take Laurel with me.  It's one heck of a way to kick off the holiday season.

I should have joined you.  I was up all night with Charlie anyway.  Way to go!!

I wish you had!  There's always next year.  ;)

Great story, Michelle.  Made me make the "awww" sound!

(c;