Samantha Donisi
Assistant Editor/Opinion Editor

The holiday season means different things to different people, but for Stephanee Johnson this time of year brings a chance to give back and help others.

For the past four years Johnson has volunteered to man a Salvation Army kettle, and ring that familiar bell whose sound heralds the beginning of the holidays.

"I think it's a really important thing to do," Johnson said. "Whether you are collecting clothes or money, whatever it may be, it's for a good cause."

Johnson said the first time she helped with the bell ringing was for her confirmation class at church. She said the positive response she witnessed from people who donated made her want to participate again.

"The best thing is when people complement you, and say thank you for doing it," Johnson said. "Some people stand and talk to you for awhile, and that is really neat."

Any individual can volunteer to ring the Salvation Army bell, but Johnson said the best way to go about it is in a group.

A large group allows people to man the kettle in shifts, so volunteers can take breaks to warm up, and it gives them someone to talk to.

"I always try to bring someone with me each year, so hopefully they will like it and want to volunteer again on their own," Johnson said.

Bell ringers usually work in 2-3 shifts, for a few hours apiece. Stations are normally outside buildings with high traffic areas, such as shopping malls or retail stores.

Johnson advises potential ringers to dress warmly because most kettles are manned no matter what the temperature is.

"I'll do it in any kind of weather, the cold doesn't make a difference," Johnson said.

Ringing the bell can be a touching experience also.

Johnson said she's seen people drop up to $50 in her kettle, and in her first year volunteering, her kettle was one that received a Krugerrand from an anonymous benefactor.

The coin is a South-African gold coin worth around $400 dollars. Each year a few of the coins turn up in various kettles around the country, but no one knows who donates them.

"I never saw who put it in, but that is always the biggest story you hear about the kettles, and it was really cool to get one," Johnson said.

Although most donations are small, it's the idea that someone wants to help the less fortunate that is what really counts, according to Johnson.

"It really shows you how much people care about others," Johnson said. "Some people will give you dirty looks, but most people that notice you drop something in, even if it's only a few cents."

Johnson said she feels it is important to help with the bell ringing. She said that it puts a unique perspective on life.

"It lets you see the other side. Maybe someday you will be a position where you will need help, and ringing the bell lets me see that there are people willing to help out," Johnson said.

The volunteer said she plans to keep ringing the bell year after year.

"I plan to have kids that I will take with me to ring the bell, I think it is that important," Johnson said. " I love doing it. It is such a neat feeling."

Kara Naig
Staff Reporter

It's that time of year once again. Christmas trees lean up against the outside walls of the local grocery store, Santa's village is set up in the mall and college students are cramming for final exams. All the while visions of family, friends and holiday traditions dance in their heads as they dream of home sweet home.

For some NIACC students, home is as close as a 15 minute drive, but for many others, getting home can be a more difficult prospect.

Wherever that far away home sweet home may be, it can take some forethought and flexibility to get there for the holidays.

Many times students begin their academic year knowing they are going home for semester break.

Christopher Tejeda, a NIACC freshman from Austin, TX, is no different. Tejeda said he planned to go home for semester break before the semester began.

"I miss home and I miss my family," Tejeda said. "I'd do pretty much anything to get home."

There are several options of holiday travel available.

Tejeda said he considered flying, taking the bus or taking the train. He chose to fly to decrease the actual travel time.

Tejeda said he also checked a variety of cities to depart from in this area. Departing from Des Moines turned out to be the least expensive choice for Tejeda. Planning and flexibility can help. "The main thing is if you are flexible with your dates," Jenny Gilbertson, a veteran travel agent of 17 years from Four Seasons Travel in Mason City, said.

Gilbertson said to check into purchasing two one-way tickets and also travel on low travel dates such as Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays to get the best price.

She also advised against train travel for the holidays due to delays and interruptions of service.

Amtrak is currently updating tracks and working on new routes making timely holiday travel more difficult than normal.

Procrastinators will find high prices on airlines and little availability, Gilbertson said.

She said that even with Christmas still a few weeks away, airline fares are high and seats can be few and far between if a ticket hasn't already been purchased.

If a student plans to still fly but hasn't made arrangements, Gilbertson said time is running out. "Find a travel agent right away and book soon," she said.

Getting home for the holidays is no different than college life itself. A little preparation can take you anywhere, even home sweet home.