WHEELING — The Salvation Army of Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties says it has an “urgent need” for more red kettle bell ringers.

Bell ringers man the donation kettles at stores across the counties. The Red Kettle Campaign is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, making its programs possible annually.

“We are in urgent need of volunteers who are willing to step up and ring the bell at our Red Kettles this year,” said Lt. John Lawrence, commander of the Salvation Army’s local arm. “During the recent government shutdown our food pantry was hit by quadruple the number of clients than normal. Our resources were stretched and now we are about to hit the coldest months of the year when people will be coming to us for help with heating costs and rental assistance.”

The Red Kettle Program enables the Salvation Army to not only provide food for more than 1,200 individuals at Thanksgiving and Christmas but it is a lifeline to those in need throughout the year. To volunteer, call 304-233-4400 or go to RegisterToRing.com.

“When you go by a Walmart, Krogers, Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shop, Riesbeck’s, or Hobby Lobby and you do not see a bell ringer out this Christmas season Monday-Saturday it is because we are missing your presence,” Lawrence said. “I will be ringing at the Walmart in Triadelphia on Friday and Saturday this week because I know how much the need is and I have seen a mother who cannot feed her children get food for their home. I have seen a child put on a new winter coat with a smile. I have seen a grandmother raising her grandkids cry because she received help from the Angel Tree program for her grandkids. I personally know what it is like needing help and someone was there for me.”

Lawrence said he wanted to thank everyone who has helped to date.

“It has been busy over the past few weeks with our Red Kettle Kickoff Luncheon, Angel Tree Applications, $14,000 in food cards, distributing hundreds of coats for kids, and the many other services we provide daily to the community through the generosity and support of people like you,” he said.

“We want to thank our advisory board members who helped to make our first Red Kettle Kickoff Luncheon such a success. We are already planning for the 2026 Luncheon.

“We want to thank those who have donated their time and resources as well as our staff members who keep us moving no matter what is thrown their way.

“Our volunteers are the Army behind the Army. Nothing we do would happen without your assistance.”