Waukesha Salvation Army bell ringer reaches major milestone, raising $150,000 over the years

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) – A bell ringer for the Waukesha Salvation Army is being recognized Thursday for reaching a major milestone. He’s also being celebrated for his unique touch to collecting donations.

Jim Compton, also known as “Album Man,” has been ringing bells at a Pick n’ Save on Sunset Drive in Waukesha since 2010 and on Thursday he learned all his work has paid off big.

Jim “Album Man” Compton is the definition of dedication.

For the past seven years, he’s been ringing bells for the Waukesha Salvation Army and because of his hard work, he’s raised more than $150,000.

“I don’t know what really to say, I’m just trying to help,” Compton said.

Album Man began as a part-time worker in 2010 and quickly shifted to full-time service when he retired six years ago.

He’s not your typical bell ringer. He got his nickname because of his decorative Red Kettle which features a display of his personal collection of vinyl record albums.

“People like it. I bring different autographs every day. I met all these people. People like it because they’re from the past,” said Compton.

From sun up to sun down, Album Man is at the Pick n’ Save almost every day during the holiday season.

“Not a lot of bell ringers do a whole day, let alone the whole season,” said Nelson De La Vergne with the Waukesha Salvation Army.

Knowing he’s helping people keeps him going.

“It helps people. There are people out there that need help. Not everybody can just go out and enjoy the world,” says Compton.

The Waukesha Salvation Army says a third of the money it raises come from donations during this time of the year, so having bell ringers like Album Man makes all the difference.