Sign of the Times

---

Tweet

Assistant professor of fisheries and wildlife Travis Brenden, along with his wife, Tammy Newcomb, enjoy collecting change as much as donating it each holiday season.

For the past four years, they have volunteered to ring a bell at Meridian Mall, 1982 W. Grand River Ave., in Okemos, to raise money for The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army uses the money collected during its Red Kettle Christmas Campaign to provide food, toys and clothing to more than six million people during the holiday season, according to the campaign’s Web site, ringbells.org.

“Giving should be a diversified portfolio approach,” Newcomb said. “We do give … money when we can, time when we can. It all adds up.”

Newcomb said bell ringing is an easy way to give back for people who might not be able to donate much money to holiday
charities.

“It’s so easy to smile and thank people and wish them a Merry Christmas,” she said.

This year, the couple brought their 10-month-old daughter, Isabella, with them, which they said adds a new perspective to the importance of their charity work.

“It is more meaningful this year because with our daughter, we now have an example that we need to set,” Brenden said.

His wife agreed with that sentiment.

“I hope she has a very generous heart,” Newcomb said.

---