A friend recently said, “When I hear the song ‘Silver Bells,’ I miss the bells of Salvation Army Christmas kettle volunteers. Now I realize we don’t have a bell ringing, but we do have a legacy of helping folks on our island.

Jimmie Jones founded his own Christmas Fund. Before Christmas, he had a yellow bucket with him everywhere he went and wasn’t afraid to hold it in your face until you donated. He often stood where the traffic circle is at The Little Store, holding his bucket out to every passing vehicle. Jimmie and his helpers knew the needs of community members and used collections to make Christmas brighter.

Dorothy Lawson saw families needing help with food insecurity. Like Jimmie, Dorothy wasn’t afraid to ask people to help those less fortunate than themselves. She started our local food bank, which with its neighbor, The Fire Department Thrift House, helped many in our community. Both organizations continue helping in new locations only a block apart.

Joyce Sobel volunteered in The Peace Corps and earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She worked on behalf of children and families in our community. Joyce began what is now called The Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center, helping folks navigate rural island life.

We have this legacy of helping our own through the continuing charitable work of organizations like the Food Bank and The Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center. May we all give generously this holiday season and throughout the year.

David Bentley,

San Juan Island