KENTWOOD, MI -- For about an hour on Saturday, Santa Claus was eclipsed by a red-caped Darth Vader who was a popular draw for photos.

The Star Wars villian made an appearance at Woodland Mall as a bell ringer for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign. This is the sixth year, members of the Great Lakes Garrison, the Michigan chapter of the 501st Legion, volunteered for the annual event.

A dozen members participated, twice as many as last year. The costumers came as Kylo Ren, Stormtroopers, Jawa, tie fighter pilot, Imperial gunner, 501st clone trooper, Shadow trooper, Jedi, Jocasta Nu, Mandalorian and Royal Guard.

Darth Vader was stationed near the entrance of Macy's by the mall's Christmas tree and Santa Claus house from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. Other Star Wars characters were near the JCPenney and the Sears' entrances. Afterward they walked to the middle of the Grand Rapids area mall where they took group photos with holiday shoppers.

"I had kids calling me from the Santa Claus line," said Scott Rozema, who portrayed Darth Vader.

The Grandville resident, who makes his living doing inventory control, has made 47th volunteer appearances in his 45-pound Darth Vader costume just this year. One of his favorites events is The Salvation Army fundraiser because the money is used to help those in need, and the gig is indoors.

"It's awesome to be Darth Vader," said Rozema, who thinks his appeal on Saturday was adorned in Christmas red. "People aren't as scared of me. They think I'm alright because I have a Santa hat on."