I found the Christmas spirit between boxes of Cracker Jack and Cheez-Its.

Fortunately, the feeling fills you up without too much sugar or too many calories.

In fact, all I needed to do was ring a bell while standing just inside the entrance of the Kroger in the Village on Tuesday morning.

The people of Grosse Pointe—and the Salvation Army—did the rest.

I volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, making as much noise as I could while standing beside the organization’s trademark red kettle.

The bell ringers are a holiday tradition, and giving back is part of the mission at Patch, where I work as an associate regional editor for several sites in southeastern Michigan, including Grosse Pointe Patch.

Patch employees are urged to Give 5—volunteer five days a year for a local group, organization or cause—and I decided to help the Salvation Army in Grosse Pointe on Tuesday.

Despite wet and windy conditions that caused flooded roadways throughout much of the Pointes, many people paused to put some money in the Salvation Army’s red kettle.

I just stood there and smiled.

I enjoyed seeing people stop and say hello (even if it was just to share our displeasure with the miserable weather). I enjoyed helping out a good cause in the Salvation Army, which raises money for those less fortunate during the holidays. And I enjoyed being selfish—because giving back to others made me feel good. (If the spirit moves you, you can volunteer to ring, too.)

So thank you. Thank you, Salvation Army. Thank you, Kroger. And thank you, Grosse Pointers.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to eat some Cheez-Its. I may be filled with the Christmas spirit, but I am a little hungry.