Man camps out for Salvation Army

A man's camping out in front of City Market this weekend to help the Salvation Army.

For the past four years, Mike Strasser has taken a weekend to sleep out in the cold to support hungry families in the Grand Valley.

Strasser said it's his way of helping fill the empty shelves at the Salvation Army's food bank as the organization gears up for the holiday season.

The food he collects is taken back to the Salvation Amy's distribution center.

Strasser's been collecting all types of food including turkeys; just in time for Thanksgiving.

Salvation Army officials say there's been fewer turkey donations so far this year, so they're hoping that changes before the holiday.

Strasser said he received over 10,000 lbs. of food for the nonprofit organization last year and he hopes to collect 15,000 lbs. of food this time around.

"There's a lot of hungry families in this valley, and that's why I do this. Because I know the need is great, I don't know the people specifically that this food goes to but I know that the need is great," said Strasser.

"I'm just here to sacrifice my time and sacrifice being away from home and sacrifice, you know, being out in the cold, and just to help out and do what little bit I can," Strasser added.

If you want to help him raise food donations for the Salvation Army's holiday rush, he'll be in front of the City Market off of 24 Road all weekend.

It's also that time of year when you'll hear bells ringing in the air.

Salvation Army bell ringers will be in front of grocery stores collecting monetary donations throughout December.