So it snowed today. Yeah, I know, I’m looking at the calendar too and I know it’s May 9. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s just kind of a given up here.

Anyway, the reason I’m noting the arrival of more snow is because for the first time of my life I did the bell ringing for the Salvation Army outside of a store. It wasn’t that I was raising my hand and jumping up and down trying to get the attention of the Salvation Army so they’d pick me for the service. My boss had conflicting appointments and, well, he scheduled me to take his place.

Today as I stood out there in the (unexpected) snow I discovered a handful of previously unknown facts about my secluded little world. First, people are still very generous despite the tough times. Second, those people don’t seem to be under the age of 55 unless they have kids.

In the two hours I stood guard outside the grocery store, ringing the bell and listening to my iPod, there must have been 50 to 60 donations. But I noted, with interest, that either all of them were over 55 years old (guessing, of course) or they were parents of very young children. These are the two groups of people who, in my area, have the least amount of funds typically. And, yet, here they were giving out there money to the Salvation Army.

I was impressed.

And they couldn’t give at a better time. The Salvation Army indicates that the use of their lunch program, their clothing program and their utility program are all being used by more than a 50 percent increase over last year. Everything is running short.

The need was apparent with the “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign held by the United States Postal Service today as well. I donated to both causes today and if you have the chance I hope you do, too.

Times are tough for everyone, but most of us can afford a buck or have a few cans of unwanted Chef Boyardee up in the cupboard. Help where you can. I know it’s appreciated.

As for the snow? Well, I got tired of hearing “Is it Christmas already?” jokes all day, but, then again, it was cold enough to make it feel like it.