For the photo essay, I decided to go talk to one of the bell ringers we all see outside grocery and department stores. I went to WalMart, located on SR 64 in Bradenton, Fl. Here, I met Lee Morgan, 54 who told me all about his job. What one may not know is that this job is actually a job. He gets paid from 9 to 5, and he is out there most of the week.
Lee Morgan, 54, is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. This is his first year.
Morgan talked to many customers, and many were willing to talk to him. Here, a couple discussed how they just bought the teddy bear for an Adopt a Family child.
Morgan rang the bell, even if no one was outside. He said people rely on the bell and associate the bell with the Salvation Army with the holidays.
By the time I arrived to the post, the bucket was near full with dollar bills.
Morgan said Good Morning to just about every person who passed. Some didn't even acknowledge his wishes.