WILMINGTON — Among the familiar sights and sounds of the Christmas season, plans call for Salvation Army red kettles and bell ringers at Kroger in Wilmington.

There’s a need for volunteer bell ringers, said organizer Polly Countryman, who has headed up the effort nine years.

“The need is here, and people want to give and they can give a small amount of money,” she said.

The proceeds collected go to Clinton Countians, said Countryman.

The donations go toward food vouchers from Kroger, utilities, rent and other emergency things, such as surgery.

In short, it’s an emergency fund, she said.

Volunteer bell-ringers work two-hour sessions between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The current schedule is for ringing to occur on Fridays and Saturdays, starting with the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Plans also call for the red kettles to be set up on Christmas Eve which is on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

So, the specific dates for bell-ringing are Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 6 and 7, Dec. 13 and 14, Dec. 20 and 21, and as noted above Dec. 24.

Churches can see the Christmas tradition of Salvation Army red kettles as a local service project to observe the holiday season, she mentioned.

“We need eight people a day,” said Countryman, who remarked she totally believes it is more blessed to give than to receive.

One thing she said she likes about the tradition is that passers-by can drop in small change.

If interested, please contact Polly Countryman at 937-382-1217.