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Salvation Army Capt. Danielle Shields has a poster in her office with a teddy bear pointing at the viewer.

The caption reads: "We Want You."

Unlike a similar request from Uncle Sam, you don't have to wear a uniform or go through basic training, you just have to bring a smile, dress warmly and be willing to ring a bell as shoppers drop their change into one of the Salvation Army's bright red kettles.

This year's Kettle Campaign, the third annual, has set a goal of $115,000. Last year, the Kettle Campaign's goal of $110,000 was exceeded by more than $2,000.

Shields explained that the goal amount is up this year for several reasons: the slumping economy, inflation and a greater need for the Salvation Army's services.

"Were seeing a lot more need for food and utility help," she said.

She added that the call for temporary help has gone up this year too, something she attributes to the difficult times.

So where do the donations go?

"All donations stay in the area," she said. "What's donated in Webster County stays in Webster County."

She is also proud of the organizations efficiency,

"Of every dollar donated, 87 cents goes back into the community," she said.

Volunteers bell-ringers come from a wide variety of sources, which include about 50 of Fort Dodge's service clubs, church groups, youth groups, and student groups from both Fort Dodge Senior High School and St. Edmond Catholic schools, as well as many businesses' employees. Many individuals come forward too, and some families make ringing bells part of their annual holiday tradition.

This year, there is even going to be a friendly competition on Dec. 18 between the Fort Dodge Fire Department and Badger's Fire Department to see who can collect the most.

For heavily trafficked areas, if volunteers can't be found, Shields explained that paid workers fill the spots, often on a daily basis. Shields would like to see more of the spots filled with volunteers,

"You get an immediate thank you," she said. "It feels good to give."

Helping out is easy; a phone call is all it takes,

"We'll set them up with a date and time," she said, "We're always looking for people."

Several spots around Fort Dodge will have the bright red kettles this year, some of them include the Hy-Vee Store, Shoppers Supply, Crossroads Mall, Fareway, Hobby Lobby, Walgreens, Hy-Vee Drugstore, and Blockbuster Video. The kettles are staffed Monday through Saturday during the businesses' normal hours of operation. The campaign continues until noon on Christmas Eve.

This year's Kettle Campaign kicked off Friday evening with a short ceremony at the Crossroads Mall. The campaign is starting on almost the same date as last year, although the late date of Thanksgiving this year might make it seem early.

Donations to the Kettle Campaign can also be mailed in or dropped off at the Salvation Army Temple, which is located at 126 Seventh St. N. To volunteer time as a bell ringer, the Salvation Army can be reached at 576-1281.

Whether money or time, Shields is grateful for the help received from the community,

"Were lucky to be good stewards of what we're given," she said.

Contact Hans Madsen at (515) 573-2141 or hmadsen@messengernews.net