The bells will be ringing a week earlier than previous years for the Washington County Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign will start Nov. 21.
"There's definitely an increased need this year," said Bill Smutko, unit president. "In the first five weeks, we used $4,200. If we keep that pace it's a whole lot more than we anticipated."
Smutko said he's setting the goal at $20,000.
The ringers will be at Walmart and Family Fare.
"We raised over $16,000 last year and spent it by the end of May," he said. "The need is out there, and even if we raise $20,000, we're going to come up short I'm sure based on averages."
In 2019, the unit has helped 263 people from funds raised during its 2018 campaign. The unit also provided items to 28 preschool through second-grade students who received the weekend backpacks.
Smutko is searching for bell ringers primarily for Nov. 21. Call 402-679-2960 if you can help.
