QUESTION: What inspired me Robert A. Brubaker to spend two years writing and illustrating The Bell Ringer picture book?

ANSWER: For a moment, put yourself in the shoes of those who just lost their home and/or family and ask, "who will be there in my darkest hour to offer help, a shoulder to cry on, clothes, food or shelter, things that before I had taken for granted?" Like the good Samaritan in the Bible, The Salvation Army is often first on site to offer comfort, aid and hope, without discrimination. If you are unlucky enough to suffer that kind of loss, knowing somebody is there can make all the difference. That's pretty powerful, especially if YOU are the one in need.

The impetus of the story came to me, when I read several sad reports about bell ringers who had been robbed. Whatever their motivation, the thieves were obviously driven by selfishness; the bell ringers - selflessness. I thought how ironic it would be if those thieves were to find themselves needing help from the very people they robbed. The ideas began flowing through my head like alternate scenes from A Christmas Carol and It's A Wonderful Life. If they could travel through time to see both the good and bad results of their choices, would they have a change of heart? The story possibilities were endless.

As I began writing, my heart weighed heavy for those in crisis. I watched as The Salvation Army provided aid after the devastating earthquake in Haiti and through the terrible losses from hurricane Katrina. The more I witnessed the more my goals for this story became intent on actually serving the homeless and needy. My hope and desire is that like the real life volunteers who inspired THE BELL RINGER, this story will serve to raise both awareness and provide REAL AID to those in real need. That is why a large portion of our proceeds are dedicated to supporting the efforts of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky has been serving the needs of the community since 1885. Their mission is to meet human needs without discrimination, and they fulfill this mission to those of all ages through numerous programs and services. They rely upon the support of donors and volunteers to serve the local community, and they are grateful for them all.

2012 will be the 121st anniversary for the bell ringers to play a major role in The Salvation Army's efforts to assist the homeless, needy and those suffering from disaster.

THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES AND TRAINS at ENTERTRAINMENT JUNCTION