October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and lifelong Salisbury Township resident Don Hottenstein has a passion for pink.

For the third consecutive year, Hottenstein sports bright pink hair to support the initiative to develop a cure for breast cancer. Initially, he dyed only his hair. Last year he included his mustache; this year Melissa Bobo, Hottenstein's stylist, also bleached and colored his goatee.

Hottenstein explains, "...many people come up and just start talking to me because of the pink hair."

And that's the point.

The first step toward joining the battle against breast cancer is discussing the disease.

Promoting breast cancer awareness is only one of Hottenstein's projects.

Employed by Stroehmann Maier's bakery, he has served for 15 years with the Eastern Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department. Hottenstein currently qualifies to drive all of the department's trucks except the tanker; he will soon be driving that truck as well.

Regular blood donation is another of Hottenstein's commitments. Every 10 weeks, the 54-year-old gives whole blood. Between regular blood contributions he provides platlets and plasma. The Miller Blood Center recently recognized Hottenstein as a 29 gallon donor.

Indeed, positive community involvement runs in the Hottenstein family.

Long time members of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Hottenstein and his parents clean the church weekly. His dad spends six days out of seven helping out around the church, and according to Hottenstein, "When he's not there, I am."

Hottenstein's wife Carol also contributes. Her 7-year-old Boston terrier is a therapy dog.

As autumn fades to winter, Hottenstein will again alter his appearance.

During the month of December he dons a white wig and beard and spreads seasonal cheer by playing Santa. The Saturday before Christmas he rides on a Salisbury fire truck and distributes candy canes and dog biscuits. Last year Hottenstein (a.k.a. Santa) also visited the Mountainville Bowling Lanes.

In every season, Don Hottenstein dedicates himself to improving life within his community.