FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Salvation Army works year-round to help families in need, and as the holidays approach, more volunteers are needed for the Red Kettle Campaign.
Every year, people volunteer their time to don the red aprons, ring the bells, and accept donations for the Salvation Army outside of local stores.
With the holidays weeks away, the Salvation Army in Fort Smith says now is a great time to sign up.
Right now, the Salvation Army has 85 paid bell ringers and only 15 volunteers, according to Fort Smith's Salvation Army Captain Bradley Hargis.
The donated funds help cover the salaries of the paid workers, so more volunteers mean more funds are available to help the community.
This year's fundraising goal in Fort Smith is $160,000.
Whether you put cash in the kettle or donate electronically, the money goes directly to help people in our community, including at-risk youth, families, and seniors.
“When you're thinking about who this is going to help, you can think of your grandma raising grandkids," Hargis said. "Most of our clients at the Salvation Army, about 70%, are at-risk seniors."
If you want to volunteer to ring a bell this holiday season, you can register as an individual or a group here.
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