WESTBOROUGH, Mass. - Singing has always been a passion for Keith Bryant. He's also felt strongly about the work the Salvation Army does helping those in need.

"My mom," Bryant said of his inspiration. "Because she was a soldier at Salvation Army when I was a little kid. They did a lot for us. Every time she would come home from work, she'd tell us, 'when you see that red kettle, you put something in it'."

His mother's message resonating deep. So deep in fact that he decided to mix the two. Throughout his years ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, he noticed people weren't smiling as much as they should, which is why he started belting out some Christmas classics.

"It opens up their hearts," Bryant said. "It might give them that feeling that they had when they were a little kid. You know, your first present of the year."

Bryant's singing has been a holiday tradition for more than two decades. While Christmas music is his bread and butter, he's not afraid to throw some oldies in there. While singing, he of course is ringing the iconic bell as well.

"It's an awesome feeling, actually," he said. "It's better than hot coffee. Way better than hot coffee."

Friday was a perfect day for some hot coffee, with chilly temperatures and a handful of snowflakes as well. It's how Bryant wants it to be.

"It makes me want to sing more," he said. "Especially when it comes to Christmas," Bryant said. "Because people love hearing Christmas carols."

He says he'll be singing for the Salvation Army in Westborough in the days leading up to Christmas, especially on Christmas Eve.