Gloria Hillard

In 1952, the federal government created a program that encouraged Native Americans to move off reservations and into cities such as Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. They were lured by the hope of a better life, but for many that promise was not realized.

Although in the past bell ringers were primarily volunteers, for many behind the kettle today, the temporary job has become a lifesaver. For first-time bell ringers Lynn and Rusty Smith, the minimum wage job is helping to keep them afloat during tough economic times.