As the Albert Lea Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign is under way, there continues to be many gaps in the volunteer bell ringing schedule.

The schedule was only 40 percent staffed as of this week, said local Capt. Jim Brickson. Many of the hours remaining to be filled are at the two doors of Walmart.

With the demand for support through The Salvation Army climbing to an all-time high, the necessity for meeting this year’s goal of almost $172,000 is even more important to obtain, he said.

Brickson is making a plea to all those who are able to stand in the cold for two hours to help.

“We are hearty Minnesotans and find many opportunities to enjoy the winter outside,” Brickson said. “I believe that if the hunters, ice fishermen and winter enthusiasts sponsor a day, we can man these kettles the entire time.”

He also encouraged local business owners to adopt a day at a kettle and provide staff to ring on the company’s behalf.

The Albert Lea Salvation Army on Tuesday officially kicked off its 2009 Christmas Kettle Campaign during an “Evening of Giving Thanks” at Northbridge Mall.

In what was a family-oriented event to give back to the local organization, Salvation Army leaders ceremoniously carried in a red kettle and placed it on a stand in the central court of the mall.

It marked the beginning of the goal to raise $172,000 for providing services to area residents in need.

“Our new goal of $172,000 is staggering, but that’s what we need to do,” local Capt. Jim Brickson said.

To meet the influx of basic needs and rising unemployment, the goal is about $40,000 higher than last year’s goal of $134,000. This year the organization has seen a major increase in people needing food from the food pantry. They have also had to provide more rental assistance and have assisted more people who are unemployed.

Brickson said he has faith that God will help give the organization all they need. And if they don’t reach the goal, they will figure out a way to make it work.

The kickoff was one of several parts of the evening. There were also games, crafts, live holiday music and food for those in attendance.

All money raised and food donated during the night was donated to The Salvation Army.

“Anytime we can give back to the community, that’s our goal,” said Northbridge Mall Property Manager Barb Fate. “It’s an organization I truly believe in.”

Mall managers and Salvation Army leaders said the event was a perfect partnership between the two entities.

Mall Marketing Director Beth Staser said she hoped the night raised awareness, funds and food for the Salvation Army.

“We thought it was important because the need is greater in the community than ever,” Staser said.

As part of the night, people could bring in five nonperishable food items for the food shelf and then in return get special discounts at participating stores.

Prizes — including a bag of groceries, a meal a month for one year from Pizza Ranch and five decorated holiday wreaths — were also given away throughout the night.

Now that the campaign has officially begun, volunteers will be out ringing bells starting today at HyVee and Nelsons Market Place and then on Friday at all of the locations.

All funds raised through the campaign help the organization with myriad assistance programs for the community, including after-school and summer day-care programs for low-income families, temporary shelter, rental and fuel assistance, a food pantry and budget counseling to help families achieve economic independence.

People can volunteer to ring bells online at www.thesalarmy.org/albertlea or by phone at 373-5710.