Working in the field of journalism, you get to experience some of the best and some of the worst parts of a community.

Fortunately, Selma is a community with a lot of good people trying to really bring out the best in everything they do, especially during the season of giving.

I got to experience this beautiful part first-hand Tuesday when I met Louise Boone in front of Wal-Mart.

My assignment was to go take a picture of one of the many amazing Salvation Army volunteers that donate their time to stand in front of a store and ring a bell. Their goal is to collect as much money in those familiar red kettles as they can, so the donations can then be returned to those that need assistance, particularly during the holidays.

I actually had the honor of ringing a bell for an hour a couple of weeks ago, but I could never compare myself to the ones who do it so often. It’s really not as easy as you might think, but you would never know that by looking at Boone.

Walking up to the door, I could hear her singing Christmas carols and ringing the bell to the rhythm. She was smiling and waving at everyone who went in or out of the doors.

I don’t think a single person could walk by Boone without having a smile on their face.

I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions, and get to know a little bit about her background.

Boone has some difficulties of her own, but she has never let that slow her down.

Her love of singing and her strong ties with her faith keep her going everyday. She told me that despite her own difficulties, she loves talking to people and she loves singing and volunteering is perfect for her, because she gets to do both.

Amidst all of the racial tension in the world right now, Boone said that it shouldn’t matter what color someone’s skin is. She said her God loves everyone regardless of race, and so she does, too.

With Christmas only a few days away, I think we could all learn from Boone and give back to those that really need it this season. Even if that gift is a smile and a handshake, someone will truly appreciate it.

Meeting someone that genuinely cares so much for people that she would sacrifice her own time to give back in the only ways that she knows how. Now if that’s not the sprit of Christmas, I don’t know what is.

Selma has so many wonderful people who have really given back to their community this season, and I hope that trend continues into the start of a new year. Think what 2015 could be like if everyone kept that same spirit. It would definitely be a year to remember.