People going in and out of the major Fort Dodge stores recently may have noticed that something usually found near the entrance at this time of year is missing.

During the Christmas season a red kettle and someone ringing a bell greets those going in and out of stores. The kettles and the bells are a primary fundraiser for The Salvation Army. But this year, the kettles are largely out of sight and the bells are silent.

Why? So far, at least, there are not enough people to stand by the kettles and ring the bells.

The Salvation Army is in urgent need of help for the annual kettle campaign. We urge anyone who has the time and interest to get involved now.

The local goal for this year’s kettle campaign is $42,000. Every penny received will stay in Fort Dodge and Webster County.

The money is mostly used to buy food for The Salvation Army’s lunch program and food pantry. But it is also used to pay the utility bills for The Salvation Army building on North Seventh Street, pay the employees and help fund all of the organization’s activities throughout the year.

For generations, The Salvation Army has been there to help others. Now it needs some help.

It is time for community-minded people to volunteer to spend an hour or maybe two ringing a bell next to a red kettle. That hour will be a small sacrifice to help those who are hurting and need both help and hope.

To volunteer, go to registertoring.com. On the web site enter the Fort Dodge ZIP code, 50501, to find times, dates and locations where bell ringers are needed.