NILES — It was a cold and snowy night in December 2014 when Niles Salvation Army volunteer Tim Douglas was standing outside ringing a bell for the organization’s seasonal Red Kettle Campaign.

Shoppers hunching against the cold sped past Douglas, eager for the warmth of their car. With hours stretching ahead of him, Douglas decided to bide the time by singing an old hymn, “Where is he?”

“I figured, ‘what the hay, it can’t hurt anything,’” Douglas said. “Everyone was in such a hurry, it just reminds them, ‘you know, this is supposed to be good time of year.’”

Upon seeing Douglas standing in the cold singing, a few dropped in coins and went on their way. Others would pause and just listen for a moment.

Douglas has continued his legacy as the singing bell ringer and can be found between two to three times a week shaking a bell to the tune of a number of Christmas songs or hymns he sings as he works.

Douglas now serves the Niles Salvation Army as more than a volunteer. Last year, Douglas was hired as the coordinator of volunteer services, and he now helps to recruit and manage the volunteers that make the organization’s efforts to feed and provide clothing and financial assistance to those in need possible. Still, after finishing up a daily shift, Douglas grabs a bell and red kettle and heads out to continue his volunteer work.

This year, Douglas has been picking up a lot of volunteer shifts. The Salvation Army’s aim is to have a volunteer at one of the 14 sites across Berrien and Cass counties from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. But this year, with only 12 people having volunteered, Douglas has been helping to fill volunteer shifts at a lot of the sites.

Those who have heard Douglas singing outside, whether in rain, snow or sunshine, can attest to his talent as a singer. Douglas first took an interest in music in high school, where he was a member of musical theater. Later on, Douglas studied theater and music at Lake Michigan College and was one class away from graduating, when a busy work schedule forced him to put his education on hold.

But Douglas did not let his love of music die. For more than 10 years, he sang with bands across Indiana, Michigan and Florida at a number of bars and night clubs. Douglas said he particularly enjoyed singing Toby Keith, soft rock and ‘50s style songs, like “Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison.

The lifestyle was not the easiest, though, and Douglas said he has since left that world far behind.

“I stopped doing non-secular music performance about four years ago,” Douglas said. “I consider it part of the ministry God has called me to do. He gave me the gift, and now I only use it for his glory.”

Singing while volunteering seemed like an ideal way to bring together his two passions: music and helping others, he said. Douglas’ songs still have a way of drawing people in. Last week, while volunteering and singing outside of the WalMart, one the employees shuttling carts from the parking lot to inside the store approached Douglas.

“Before he went in the last time, he stopped and dropped in a donation and told me he really appreciated the songs,” Douglas said. “he hadn’t heard them since the last time he had been at church for Christmas.”

Providing a comfort to those swept up in the chaos of the holiday season is always a goal when singing, Douglas said. It does not hurt that the singing can also encourage more people to donate to the cause.

The Niles Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign raises money for the organization’s operational budget. This year’s poor volunteer turnout has been a contributing factor to a decline in funds raised for the cause. Douglas approximated that the campaign has so far brought in about $50,000 less than years in the past. While they do not have to be singers like Douglas, he encouraged anyone who can donate even an hour of their time to volunteer for the opportunity.

The Red Kettle Campaign runs through Dec. 23. Those interested in volunteering are advised to contact the Niles Salvation Army at (269) 684-2660.