Bundled against the cold, volunteer Gregg Staien, of Granger, peered from underneath a furry hat as he rang a bell for the Salvation Army Tuesday afternoon in front of Walmart, 2107 S. 11th. St., Niles.
Staien is one of many volunteers braving the cold to help out the less fortunate this holiday season.
Staien is a service manager at Tyler Automotive at 1810 S. 11th St. in Niles. The Cadillac dealer company has employees volunteer for one-hour shifts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Staien has volunteered to help collect money every holiday season for the past five years.
“We are just helping out the less fortunate people,” he said.
Staien was about halfway through his shift and said that the response had been positive, with many people pausing as they entered to drop a few dollars into the bright red bucket.
Despite the 22-degree temperature, Staien had no complaints about having to stand in the cold.
“It is not too bad,” Staien said. “I dressed for it.”
Dressed in a big winter coat, hat and thick gloves, Staien said the opportunity to help others made it worthwhile.
“We like to give back to the public,” Staien said. “It is all about loving people and helping to spread joy throughout the world.”