The Salvation Army Office in Decatur is seeking volunteers to ring red kettles for donations during the upcoming Christmas season.
Volunteer Coordinator Valerie Coan said kettle ringers are needed at Wal-Mart and Kroger in Hartselle, beginning Friday, Nov. 26, in addition to 16 other locations in Morgan, Limestone and Lawrence counties.
“This is our primary fundraiser for the entire year,” Coan said. “We’re targeting churches, schools, civic clubs, youth groups and professional organizations for help.  Our goal is to have ringers working at all locations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m until Christmas Day.”
She said based on past experience retirees and senior citizens have been most helpful in offering to help.
“Some of them volunteer to work a half-day or all day several times during the holiday season. However, any help, even as little as a two-hour shift is valued and great appreciated. Children under 18 are allowed to help as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.
“We make it as easy for our ringers as possible,” she added. “We set up the kettle and a chair at each storefront and take everything down at the end of the day.”
Anyone interested in being a Salvation Army ringer is invited to contact Coan at 256-353-2822, Ext. 016.
“We’re getting more calls for help this year than in past years,” Coan said.  “Our food bank has seen a dramatic increase in calls for help by first-time clients.”
The Salvation Army has also started collecting blankets, coats,  gloves and toboggans for homeless clients at its 14th Street location.