A couple of clowns dubbed Moxie and Violet were on duty outside the Winn-Dixie at La Plaza Grande on a sunny, breezy and cool Black Friday afternoon, caught in the hustle-bustle of holiday shopping. But Moxie (Shirley Davis) and Violet (Patty Vogt) weren’t looking to save a few bucks on a cell phone or wool sweater.
Instead, they were giving their time to help people donate to the needy at a Salvation Army Red Kettle outside the store.
“This gives me a good feeling,” said Vogt, who lives in The Village of Caroline. “The best part is meeting so many nice people. We get just as much pleasure out of raising money as the people who give the money.”
“I love coming out here and being with the people and seeing the joy they get by doing something good,” said Villager Shirley Davis. “For me, this is a great feeling. It’s a way to help others and give something back. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?”
Davis had a surprise for those who donated Friday. She pulled a camera out of her clown pocket and snapped a picture. But, instead of a photo, she gave away a yellow, smiley sticker. “People like to get something,” she said.
Both Davis and Vogt are members of Clown Alley 179. Davis has a diploma in clowning from the The Villages Lifelong Learning College.
Moxie, as Davis calls herself, is a familiar face around The Villages. She has been bringing the spirit of joy in these parts for about 14 years, she said. Moxie also is a frequent visitor to the local hospice and serves other charities.
“It’s a lot of fun and I hope it makes people happy,” Davis said. “It makes me happy.”
The Salvation Army makes many people happy, especially children, this time of year.
“The miracle of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing,” the Salvation Army states on its Website. “The traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless.
“Donations and financial assistance provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need, including families of prisoners.
“Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, and shelters are open for sit-down dinners. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten.”
If you can’t find a kettle around The Villages, you can always donate online at: