This time of year, the Salvation Army’s iconic red donation kettle – synonymous with holiday giving – is a common sight outside a retail or grocery store and accompanied by a bell-ringer.
Douglas Oliver, 57, of Annapolis, brings a special twist to his charitable solicitation, accompanying his bell-ringing by singing Christmas carols.
“He’s one of the biggest earners,” said Salvation Army Captain Ruairi Ward, who, along with his wife, has been working with the Salvation Army for 13 years, the past three heading up operations in Annapolis. “He’s cheerful, he’s kind, and he loves to sing.”
The funds raised during the Red Kettle Campaign help provide Christmas assistance, shelter, food and other services to those in need.
Last year, the national campaign took in $102 million, according to Ward, but donations have been declining; the campaign raised $126 million in 2019.
Ward said Oliver comes by throughout the year to use the food pantry located on Hilltop Lane and jumps at the opportunity to help out.
During the campaign, Oliver can be found outside Giant Food on Annapolis’ Bay Ridge Drive every day except Sunday, because he goes to church.
“I’m out here whenever I can,” he said Friday, wearing gloves and holding a bell in each hand. “I’m so thankful for the Salvation Army for giving me this opportunity.”
Singing is a pastime Oliver said he picked up from his mother growing up in Maryland. He couldn’t say how many songs he sings with this high, warm voice to accompany bell-ringing, but he had a binder next his station with handwritten song lyrics.
“I like to bring the good spirit,” he said. “The singing keeps people engaged. I’ve got ‘Silent Night’ here, ‘Deck the Halls,’ ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’; they’re all good songs.”
Although the lyrics are kept handy, Oliver said he has memorized all the songs in the book and many others.
Oliver said he gets so much joy having the chance to sing and greet so many in the community.
“These are all great people; they are loving and generous,” he said. “It’s just amazing to witness.”
Oliver is semi-retired from a career in farm work, and Ward says it’s nice to have someone have so much free time to offer.
While Oliver is happy giving, especially during the holidays, he admits he could use some new boots for Christmas.
“I’m out here for a lot of hours some days, so my feet hurt a bit, but I just can’t afford a new pair right now,” he said. “But life’s still good, so I focus on that.”
