CBS 2's Ryan Baker and Albert Ramon ring bells for Salvation Army red kettles
CHICAGO (CBS)-- CBS 2 is teaming up with the Salvation Army to help raise money for people in need.
Red kettles fill street corners every holiday season and CBS 2's Ryan Baker and chief meteorologist Albert Ramon both joined in by ringing the bell at the Salvation Army's red kettle on the corner of State and Washington streets.
Ryan was helping collect donations during the 9 a.m. newscast on Monday, and Albert will be helping out during the 4 p.m. newscast.
The Salvation Army's signature red kettles have been out on Chicago area streets for a little over a month so far this holiday season.
It's no surprise that the majority of the Salvation Army's donations come during this time. Last year, the local Salvation Army division raised more than $3.6 million from their red kettles.
The money raised by the red kettle holiday campaign goes to help people year-round though food pantries, rent, utility assistance, and children's programs.
Many bell ringers have also received support from the Salvation Army at one time or another. That's the case for Tina Evans, who has been ringing a bell for the Salvation Army all through November, and will keep it up all through December.
Evans shared her story on how she got connected with the Salvation Army.
"The Salvation Army has been a parent when I had no parents in my life. I've been homeless since I was 14. That's when I was starting being homeless. No longer homeless, obviously. The Salvation Army took me in when I had no one," she said. "They've helped me throughout my life, even when I became married, I was divorced, living on the street with my kids. They got me a home. They helped me move forward in life. Now I'm a realtor. I'm helping other people get homes."
If you'd like to support the cause, but can't make it out to the Loop or another red kettle, you can use the QR code below to donate directly to CBS 2's virtual kettle.