HOISINGTON — Ashlynn Steinert is a pint-sized typical 8-year-old girl.
The daughter of Tammy and Mike Steinert of Hoisington is an independent thinker, but tends to be on the quiet side.
Her mom was surprised when Ashlynn told her a couple of weeks ago that she wanted to be a Salvation Army bell ringer.
“I wanted to help kids who don’t have anything,” Ashlynn said.
Ashlynn said she enjoyed her time ringing the Salvation Army bell and liked it when people placed $20 bills into the red bucket. Most folks donated some coins and cash at the Town and Country Market in Hoisington.
Whenever anyone gave a donation, Ashlynn thanked them in her soft little voice and gave them a candy cane. She said she would ring the bell again next year.
Tammy said Ashlynn did not volunteer for any attention she might receive.
“Ashlynn is very shy. I remember when she was younger, she would cling to my side. So, I was very surprised when she said she wanted to ring the bell,” Tammy said. “She was very animated about it. She was on a mission. She was so excited.”
“Ashlynn does not like being put on the spot or being the center of attention,” Tammy said. “She’s doing this out of the kindness of her heart. I’m proud of her because this is something she thought of that she wanted to do to help others. It’s en eye opener because it shows anyone can make a difference.”
Tammy said the Steinerts have made it a practice to donate to the Salvation Army kettles, which apparently caught Ashlynn’s attention.
One time when Tammy didn’t have small change, Ashlynn stepped up and donated from her own tiny purse. Now, she does it all the time.
“She’s always given her money to help those people who need help,” Tammy said.
Ashlynn’s grandmother said the family is proud of Ashlynn’s generosity.
“Ashlynn’s always been a good helper, and now she’s ringing the bell to help others,” grandma said. “She likes to do stuff like that. I’ve seen her pull out her own purse and drop money in. She likes to help somebody else.”