POCATELLO — While many people during December spend time sitting around a warm fire and sipping simmering cups of hot cocoa, a local retiree is dedicating her entire holiday season to spreading goodwill and raising money for the Salvation Army.

Margo Hathaway, a 65-year-old local resident and retiree, has spent the last few weeks standing outside grocery stores, greeting strangers and ringing a bell for the Salvation Army. While Hathaway has volunteered for the local charitable organization before, this is the first year she has fully dedicated herself to a variety of holiday causes.

"This is just my year to do it," Hathaway said. "Whenever something comes up, I just sign up for it. I don't have anything else at home and I figure I might as well occupy my time doing something to help other people out."

Initially, Hathaway thought Salvation Army organizers would have her helping out two or three days a week, but they tasked her with helping out nearly every day.

Adorned in her warm winter jacket, Hathaway has spent hours bell-ringing outside stores like Fred Meyer, Albertsons and Smith's, greeting shoppers from dawn until dusk and imparting kind words to those who cross her path.

Thanks to her efforts, Hathaway has generated approximately $5,000 for the Salvation Army's holiday campaign.

But Hathaway's volunteer commitments go well beyond the bell-ringing kettle. This year, she also helped with the Festival of Trees fundraiser, assisted at a college production of "A Christmas Carol" and volunteered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Light the World Giving Machines charity project. During the rest of the year, she spends four days a week at the local senior center.

Additionally, Hathaway participates in a program called the New Knowledge Association, which follows the local college's calendar, and said she looks forward to classes starting up again after the holiday lull.

Hathaway already has plans to get a couple of community clubs to donate decorated trees for next year's Festival of Trees and is encouraging other groups she's involved with to volunteer for Salvation Army bell-ringing next year.

Local insurance company Farm Bureau has arranged to match donations raised by its employees when they volunteer for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign and will compensate them for the hours they dedicate.

With all of her kids grown and out of the home, Hathaway says helping charities helps her be active and get out of the house.

But her reasons also are tied to family, spirituality and community outreach.

"It's very spiritual," Hathaway said. "But I like being around family. I like being around people. I don't like anybody being left out. So if I know of somebody that is spending Christmas alone, they're always welcome to my home. My family opens up their door and we welcome just about anybody that needs it."