Northern California bell ringing family

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - One family in Shasta County is showing thanks by ringing the bell this holiday season.

The family says the Salvation Army saved their lives and the least they can do, is volunteer as bell ringers, to give back to those that helped them.

The Cretchers are ringing the bell this holiday season.

Whether you come across little Travis or his mom Jessica, you can count on them ringing the bell every day this week.
    
"It's a great charity to help out. They help local families with food on their tables, presents under their tree. They helped me when I was struggling so this is my way of paying it back."

The Salvation Army was their saving grace..

Homeless off and on for about two years, Jessica says without their help, she doesn't know what turn her life would have taken.     

In a desperate moment, Jessica reached out to the Salvation Army last year, after moving into a new apartment.

"They helped me with pots and pans, they helped me get a couch, they helped me find a dining table, they helped me get all the necessities I need for my apartment to live as well as fill my cabinets with food."

Strapped for money, she also signed up for the Angel Tree which benefits from an annual toy drive called Stop the Bus.

"They blessed my son with more presents than I can imagine and it was the best Christmas and it was precious."

This Christmas, the Cretcher family has decided to help, by giving back to help other families in need.

"It's cool to see our children understand the concept of what these people are donating for instead of just thinking they're just giving money, they know the concept of this is for families who can't afford Christmas or can't afford bread and butter."
   
So when you're running to the grocery store for those last minute items, and you hear the bell, just think about the help you could be giving to a family this holiday season.

"Just that one toy can make a whole famiy's Christmas twice as better is what it is."