That is true again this year, and Fort Dodge area residents have a chance to be part of that tradition.

The Salvation Army in Fort Dodge is still seeking people willing to volunteer their time ringing a bell next to a kettle in front of a local store.

When a person spends as little as an hour ringing a bell next to a kettle, they’re helping their community because all of the money stays in the Fort Dodge area, according to Capt. Nathan Welch, a corps officer for the Salvation Army in Fort Dodge.

“All the money stays locally to support The Salvation Army here in Fort Dodge, “ he said.

As part of the effort to encourage bell ringing, the local Salvation Army leadership is starting a little friendly competition between church congregations. Capt. Ali Welch, who is a corps officer in Fort Dodge along with her husband, Capt. Nathan Welch, said the new effort is called the Battle of Church Bells.

“We’re still encouraging them to sign up,” she said.

The red kettles will be in place at seven Fort Dodge stores between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through Dec. 24.

There are still plenty of opportunities to spend some time ringing bells, according to the local Salvation Army leaders.

Anyone who wants to volunteer can go to registertoring.com and enter the Fort Dodge ZIP Code, 50501. Then they can select the time and place at which they want to volunteer.

Volunteers can also call 515-576-1281 to sign up.

Nathan Welch said the goal is to raise $60,000 during this year’s kettle campaign.

How to help

To volunteer to ring bells during The Salvation Army’s 2024 kettle campaign go to registertoring.com or call 515-576-1281.