Spreading holiday cheer for all to hear
CHAMPAIGN - A man is singing and ringing his way into people's
hearts this holiday season. And he's doing it all for a good cause.
Updated: December 23, 2012
CHAMPAIGN - A man is singing and ringing his way into people's
hearts this holiday season. And he's doing it all for a good cause.
Jimmie
Rodges starts every morning at 11AM. And he's not done until everyone walking
by has a smile on their face and a song in their heart.
"When I was in high
school, I used to sing in the chorus," said Rodges. "So a lot of the Christmas
carols are still in my mind, that's all."
Last year he was assigned to ring his
bell at the Sam's Club in Champaign. This year, he said the store specifically
asked him to come back. So for eight hours a day, he spreads Christmas cheer by
singing and ringing and singing some more. You'd think by now he'd be losing
his voice, but he's still going strong.
"People come down and bring coffee and
tea sometimes so that helps me to keep going," said Rodges.
He said it feels
good to give back to the red kettle campaign, especially since the Salvation Army
has done so much for him.
"When I first got here, I was homeless and they took
me in," said Rodges. "It's just a beautiful place to stay and they try to help
you get jobs and get back on your feet."
He said even if you can't afford to
give, he's glad to share the reason for the season.
"Some people sometimes
can't donate but just making them happy and seeing them smile and they come out
and enjoy the music," said Rodges. "That's just the best thing about Christmas,
just making people smile and being happy."
Rodges will be at the Champaign Sam's
Club through Christmas Eve. You can stop by anytime between 11AM and 7 PM to
say hello and sing along with him.
