The history of the Salvation Army's Kettle drive dates back to 1891.

The Red Kettle has become as much an icon of Christmas as most any other symbol of the holiday.

Their mission to aid the poor has remained the same and their longevity has been sustained through volunteers...Like Roger Boldt...An Angel In Our Midst.

Roger Boldt, Salvation Army Bell Ringer; We moved here in July and there was a hurricane in September and we saw all the people that were helping and everything. And I felt it was time to give back a little bit.

The retiree from Indiana decided to give back to one of the agencies that had given to so many after hurricane Ivan. Timing was perfect; the salvation army needed troops to man the kettles.

Roger; I found out it's not something I can do for people, it's what people do for me when I'm ringing my bell.

What they often do is share stories and testimonies that touch the heart.

Roger; Little ole fellas come in from World War II, how they've been helped out; how Salvation Army served them with drinks and snacks and things.

People whose houses have burned down, who all of a sudden, there were toys under their Christmas tree and they were helped like that.

Every single donation helps to make more stories possible. The Kettle gifts support Salvation Army programs year round.

Major Walter Strong, Salvation Army; We have a shelter for those who are homeless. We have emergency assistance that we do throughout the year that we do for rent, utility assistance, food clothing.

Major; We have a community center where we have sports activities for kids; a safe place for kids to come after school.

Roger has witnessed people who seemingly have very little, dig deep to help someone else. He especially remembers some Katrina evacuees.

Roger; Very young married couple, had a very little baby and they came by and they'd lost everything and they put money in the pot. And stuff like that just kinds of gets you.

Those stories keep Roger Boldt coming back to his post every year with a kind word, a smile and a wave...To those who have it to give and those who don't.

I've been blessed my whole life and I guess this is a way of me giving back a little bit.Angels In our Midst (Roger Boldt)