WESTBOROUGH – A familiar face – and sound – has returned to the Roche Bros. supermarket at Bay State Commons for the holiday season.
Keith Bryant Sr. is once again ringing a bell and singing for the Salvation Army, accompanied by a soundtrack of holiday favorites – his is “Run Run Rudolph” by Chuck Berry.
“Keith comes to fill out an application every year and can’t wait to get started,” said Major Paul Pelletier of the Salvation Army’s Worcester unit.
For nearly a quarter-century, Bryant has been collecting Christmas donations for the unit.
His combination of singing and smiling has made him a popular figure – so much so that when the holiday season arrives each year, Bryant will be in front of the Westborough Roche Bros.
“I’m here for good, by demand,” he said.
Bryant, a Worcester resident, said he’s been singing nearly all his life, starting with the choir at the Baptist church. After the church pastor died, “I did my own thing,” he said.
Bryant’s been associated with the Salvation Army for 38 years, 24 years as a bellringer. When not standing by a donation kettle, he helps provide comfort and care to the homeless using the Salvation Army’s services.
“The stuff we give them – coffee, food, clothing – is for free,” said Bryant.
What he likes best about being a singing bellringer is “putting smiles on people’s faces.”
“The songs from their childhood … it changes people’s hearts,” he said.
“He makes Christmas,” said a passerby. “He’s the greatest guy.”
Bryant will be at the supermarket three times per week through Christmas. In case you miss him, you can still donate to the kettle, or visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/massachusetts/worcester/.
