Bell ringers are needed for the Salvation Army’s annual red kettle Christmas campaign.

Bell ringing has already begun at Hy-Vee and Marketplace Foods. The campaign assists the Salvation Army in its operations.

The campaign officially begins Nov. 25 if enough volunteers can be gathered and will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at Hy-Vee, Marketplace Foods and Shopko. Bell ringing at Walmart will be focused on the weekend, said Salvation Army Maj. Louise Delano-Sharpe.

Bell ringers will be at Plaza Morena from about 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; and at Herberger’s from about 2 to 8 p.m.

Delano-Sharpe said she hopes this year’s campaign raises $176,500, including $105,000 from the red kettles and counter kettles and almost $60,000 from mail appeals.

The organization provides disaster assistance, a food shelf and clothing and will provide winter coats, hats and mittens for people this winter. Youth activities and programs and English classes for non-English speakers are provided throughout the year, Delano-Sharpe said.

The Salvation Army will have a Thanksgiving meal from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Fairlane Building in the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

The organization hosts meals from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in its building at 302 Court St.

Delano-Sharpe said her favorite part of the season is seeing families come in and pick out toys for their children.

“This is a very generous community, even though it is relatively small,” she said.

Delano-Sharpe’s faith guides her in the season.

“The Lord blesses us through the community and what it shares with others,” she said.

Giving to the Salvation Army pays dividends for the community, Delano-Sharpe said.

“The Salvation Army does a lot for the community,” she said, noting the organization’s contribution to the community’s spiritual and emotional needs.

“It gives back to the community, so that most of what we give comes back to the community through one form or another,” Delano-Sharpe said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call the Salvation Army at 507-373-5710.