Colorado Strong: Salvation Army bell ringer spreads Christmas cheer in a special way

A bell ringer with the Salvation Army has found a special way this season to spread Christmas cheer and bring in donations.

Bob Riordan knows he doesn’t have a good voice. Shoppers at the King Sooper’s at Stetson Hills Boulevard and Powers Boulevard will agree. Still, people love to hear him sing.

“He cheers us up. He is just outgoing and personable. I donate every time I come and buy groceries,” says shopper Susan Baker.

“We can hear him singing all the way down the parking lot. Not only does it make you feel more like Christmas, it makes you want to give more,” said Emily Wanser.

Riordan changes the words for his favorite Christmas carols to remind people what the holiday season is all about.

“Tis the season to be giving, tra la la la la la la la la,” sings Riordan.

He started ringing the bell for the Salvation Army last year.

“I needed the money. I had bills to pay last year,” says Riordan.

He’s picked up odd jobs over the years to pay his bills. But Riordan says this job is the most rewarding.

“At the end of the day, I go home feeling like I have done something. I have accomplished something for somebody. That’s important,” says Riordan.

Riordan is not musically-gifted, but he is a gift to the Salvation Army.

Maj. Richard Larson, with the Salvation Army, said a bell ringer at that same King Sooper’s store averages $56 an hour. When Riordan rings the bell, it goes up to $86 an hour.

“I think Bob is one of those people that just come along every once in a while that bring joy to people’s lives and this is one of the ways he does it,” says Larson.

Not everyone loves Riordan’s off-beat tunes.

“Some people say I should hang onto the money and take singing lessons. Other people say, ‘I’ll give money if you stop singing,'” says Riordan.

However, most shoppers at King Soopers don’t want him to stop singing.

“They know my voice isn’t that great but I’m cheerful, so they give for that reason. So it is outnumbered, the people who tell me to stop singing is outnumbered 3 to 1 so I just ignore them. I smile,” said Riordan.

Riordan and all other bell ringers will stop singing on Christmas. He jokes King Soopers employees will be grateful for a silent night.