As the holiday season approaches the Beatrice Salvation Army is preparing for the season and it’s red kettle campaign.

Starting this Friday bell ringers will be out at various locations ringing bells in hopes of raising 30-thousand dollars this year.

Hope Burris of the Salvation Army says those who are interested in volunteering can contact the Salvation Army and get placed on the schedule.

“Volunteers we would like to ask to sign up for a two hour minimum. I would really like four hours cause it helps the schedule but a two hour minimum is good from the volunteers. You greet people, you can dress up as Santa Clause…bring your children as I know a lot of people like to see the kids ringing the bells. Your entire family can come and ring the bell for us.”

Last year the campaign came up 2-thousand dollars short of it’s goal. Burris is hoping the campaign will meet the goal this year as the demand has increased for assistance from the Salvation Army.

“It goes to buy food for our food pantry. It goes to pay utility bills. It goes to pay rent bills. It stays here in the community.”

Burris says the food pantry at the Salvation Army has seen about a 50-percent increase in demand compared to last year at this time.

“We have been swamped this year. Last week alone I think we helped 200 families and we are seeing that on a weekly basis.”

If you are interested in ringing bells this holiday season you can call the Salvation Army office at 402-223-3341 or go to the website register to www.registertoring.com.