WILMINGTON — Last holiday season, there were no Salvation Army red kettles at Kroger, but the hope is to get it back up and running again.

If it’s to happen, there’s a need for bell ringers, said organizer Polly Countryman, who headed up the effort for eight years.

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

All the pocket change and dollars that are collected goes 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 is an emergency fund, she said.

Volunteer bell-ringers work two-hour sessions.

The current schedule — if enough bell-ringers come forward, more days can be added — is for ringing to occur 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 Monday, Dec. 24.

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

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

One thing she said she likes about the tradition is that passers-by can drop in as little as a dime or quarter.

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