Ta-ling-a-ling-a-LING.
Ta-ling-a-ling-a-LING.
“When I was a kid, I used to drum,” says Walter Langrine.
Ta-ling-a-ling-a-LING.
“Now when I ring the bell, I remember being a young boy and banging those drums.”
There’s nary a hint of winter yet in the air as Langrine tolls the bell for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign outside Longs Drugs in Manoa Valley, but Langrine, 74, says it’s just a matter of time.
Wearing a neatly pressed red Salvation Army apron, Langrine greets each passer-by with a warm, no-obligation smile. As often as not, the would-be shopper will dig deep into pocket or purse for a wrinkled dollar or loose change to contribute to the kettle. Sometimes they’ll shake Langrine’s hand and thank him for his volunteer service.
The shifts don’t always pass quickly, but Langrine says he treasures the opportunity to do something for others.
These are not easy times for Langrine, who came to Hawaii from the Marshall Islands in January 2014 so he could receive treatment for complications of diabetes and high blood pressure.
His wife, Najab, died a year ago. Constant, loving companions since high school, Langrine and his wife raised seven children. One son lives on Hawaii island; the others still reside on Kwajalein Atoll.
When Langrine first arrived in Honolulu, he stayed at a residence in Kalihi Valley. These days he sleeps at the Institute for Human Services men’s shelter on Sumner Street. On weekends he takes the bus to Waianae to attend church and spend time with his sister.
Langrine had heard about the Red Kettle Campaign years ago from a friend who had spent time in Hawaii. Eager to give something back to the community that has embraced him, Langrine sought out a local Salvation Army major and volunteered.
The campaign doesn’t officially kick off until Monday, but Langrine has already spent a busy week collecting donations at Manoa Marketplace.
The holidays are coming. Langrine can’t wait.
“I thank God,” he says, still ringing his bell.
Ta-ling-a-ling-a-LING.
“I thank God for this year and for a better year next year. The spirit is coming for you and me. Better times are coming.”
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Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@staradvertiser.com.
