Streator Salvation Army seeking volunteer bell ringers

The Streator Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to help with its annual Red Kettle Campaign as the holiday season continues.

The organization has been running this holiday campaign for 17 years, and Service Center Director Judy Booze hopes this year will be as successful as ever.

Volunteer bell ringers are needed to staff Red Kettle locations around town. Bell ringers can be found at three locations in Streator: Walmart, Kroger and Walgreens.

Booze said the organization is especially in need of volunteers for specific dates closer to Christmas, including Dec. 21, 23 and 24.

“We rely on those final days to get us closer to the goal, so having enough volunteers on those dates is crucial,” Booze said.

Volunteers can sign up for shifts of various lengths, and families or groups are encouraged to join.

The Salvation Army’s fundraising goal for this year is $48,000, Booze said.

As of early this week, the organization has raised about $25,300, but Booze said a large portion of donations typically comes in during the final week of the campaign.

The funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign support a wide range of local programs, from food assistance to emergency housing.

For more information or to sign up as a bell ringer, call the Streator Salvation Army at 815-672-2746 or visit its website.