Years of Salvation Army service lead to kettle board nomination
A Boerne volunteer is being recognized for his commitment to Christmas and the spirit of giving after ringing the Salvation Army bell for more than 17 years.
Randy Sedwick chimes in the holiday season at the city’s Wal-Mart with his own tree, decorations and lighted sign for the charitable organization. This year, his dedication prompted local board members to nominate him to join the Christmas Kettle of Kendall County advisory board.
“He goes above and beyond just ringing the bell — he does it all,” said Letty White, local Christmas Kettle coordinator.
Sedwick said the honor touched him greatly, describing how the work connects him to residents who stop and donate.
“I can’t tell you how rewarding this whole experience has been,” Sedwick said. “I see people getting out of cars, some without limbs, some stumbling to walk on their own, searching their cars for as much change as they can.”
Sedwick’s time with the Salvation Army began with his late father, Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Sedwick, who took him to ring the bell at local stores with his sister every winter.
“I used to love watching how people were so nice to him,” Sedwick said. “I still use his bell.”
His father served on Air Force One under President Jimmy Carter and died at age 38, a loss that Sedwick said inspired him to carry on his father’s legacy.
“The pandemic was the most difficult year. I didn’t get to see people’s smiles like I used to,” Sedwick said. “But now, I can see their smiles, and they tell me how the sound of the bell reminds them of Christmas.”
Along with his holiday setup, Sedwick often hands out candy canes to children passing by.
Now a board member, Sedwick said his only wish is for people to continue supporting the Salvation Army at his old storefront stomping ground and give back to the community.
“I am there most days, it’ll be hard to miss me,” he said.
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