The tingling sound of the Salvation Army bells fill the air at this time of the year and it is easy to put your head down and walk quickly past the volunteers who stand at the kettles.

Instead, we encourage you to stop a moment, dig for some change &045; maybe even a couple dollars &045; to help others.

Kettle collections, spurred on by people willing to give up a couple of hours of time to ring a bell, is the largest fund-raiser of the year for the Salvation Army.

This year’s goal is an ambitious $118,000 and the money will benefit area families who are feeling the financial pressure of a sluggish economy, personal bills and the holidays, as well as the food pantry.

As you anticipate a happy, even plentiful, holiday season, consider the increased demand on Salvation Army services by people less fortunate. It is through your collective donations that so many people will also enjoy the holidays.

So keep your coat pockets full of change and greet the bell ringers cheerfully, dropping in a couple quarters each time you hear the call of the bell.

If money is a little tight for you as well, perhaps a donation of time is the ticket. A couple hours during the day or evening is certainly as good as money in the kettle.

Bell ringers will be stationed at Nelson’s County Market, Wal-Mart, Herberger’s, Hy-Vee and Northbridge Mall. Call the Salvation Army to volunteer your time at any of these locations.