Jim Daly

Daly Focus Blog

FOTF logo
  • Home
  • Family & Home
  • Current Events
  • Focus News
  • About

Yesterday I Joined the Army

You’ve probably never heard of Joseph McFee, but you’re undoubtedly familiar withJim joins the Army.jpg some of his work.

In 1891, the San Francisco-based Salvation Army Captain was consumed by a big idea. Concerned for the welfare of the poorest in the city, McFee set out to find a way to feed 1,000 people on Christmas Day. But how was he to pay for this charitable act? It was then that he remembered his time as a sailor in England.

There was, down by the docks, an iron kettle known as “Simpsons Pot” which people were encouraged to toss a coin into to help raise funds for those most in need. Captain McFee wondered whether this method would also work in the United States—and didn’t waste any time finding out.

The next day he set up an iron pot down by the water at the foot of Market Street. His sign was clever. It read, “Keep the Pot Boiling,” and before long the enterprising man had raised enough money to feed a large number of the city’s poor on December 25th.

One-hundred and eighteen years later, the Salvation Army’s 2009 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign is currently running in high gear.

This year, I, along with several of my Focus colleagues, joined the army—the Salvation Army, that is. I’m excited to be one of the organization’s 25,000 bell-ringers! As I joked to a local reporter who caught wind of our participation, “See, even a CEO can do it.”

Jim joins the Army2.JPGI’m still thawing out from my shift at the red kettle, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time outside of our local Wal-Mart.

It’s fun to volunteer for another organization, help raise some funds for a great cause, wish people a “Merry Christmas!” and share in the joy of the season, even if only through a smile and a friendly nod of the head.

As the president of an organization dependent upon the generosity of others to fulfill the mandate of its mission, I can appreciate just how crucial this program is to the Salvation Army’s survival.

Nearly 70% of its annual budget is sustained by the monies donated at Christmas.

As with my efforts here at Focus, I’m passionate about the S.A. They are, as their motto suggests, among those “Doing the most good.” But it’s also a treat to see those who are giving, especially at a time when budgets are so tight and discretionary income is ever so scarce.

I pray we would all continue to remember those less fortunate, and, if at all possible, lend a hand to help.

UPDATE:

By the way, two media outlets—one local and one national—have picked up on our desire to encourage voluntarism. Here are links to those stories:

The Gazette

Religion News Service

Sign up for my weekly e-newsletter

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, staff December 16, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Related Posts

  • Jim Daly Statement on Colorado Springs Shooting
  • Jim Daly Statement on Midterm Election Results
  • One Single Vote

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Jim-Daly President of Focus on the Family
Jim Daly
with Paul Batura

Posts by Jim

Combating the Lies That Can Destroy Your Marriage

Happiness is No Accident

Love in the Midst of Alzheimer’s

Topics

  • Current Events
  • Family and Home
  • Focus Events
  • Uncategorized

Daly Focus

Jim-Daly Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.

Jim Daly Blog

Home
About
Posting Guidelines
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
FAQs

Connect with Me

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
RSS