Bells will be ringing

As Jim Goodwin stands in the foyer at Kmart, ringing a bell for the Salvation Army kettle drive, he looks forward to seeing the door open. He knows that the shopper may be willing to donate some money.

But then the door opens, and he feels the cold Montana breeze come into the store.

Goodwin said the cold wind is worth it. He knows how valuable the kettle drive is to community residents who need help during the holidays and throughout the year.

Goodwin is a retired Salvation Army officer, and he has seen first hand benefits of the money raised.

The donors give Goodwin a lift in spirit, as well.

People seem to know that times are tough, and they open up their wallets as much as possible, he said.

Some of the folks who contribute say they have been served by the Salvation Army in the past and want to help out now that they can.

But there is a problem.

As the holiday season gets busier, there is a shortage of bell ringers.

The Salvation Army has put out the SOS, asking people to volunteer some time, promising it will be a valuable experience.

"We are in need of bell ringers," said Trina Crawford, director of social services for the Havre Salvation Army.

Bell ringers are stationed daily at Kmart, Holiday Village Mall and Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods.

Crawford said community groups have signed up to help, and entire families have volunteered.

People can sign up for any length of time that is convenient, she said.

As Jim Goodwin stands in the foyer at Kmart, ringing a bell for the Salvation Army kettle drive, he looks forward to seeing the door open. He knows that the shopper may be willing to donate some money.

But then the door opens, and he feels the cold Montana breeze come into the store.

Goodwin said the cold wind is worth it. He knows how valuable the kettle drive is to community residents who need help during the holidays and throughout the year.

Goodwin is a retired Salvation Army officer, and he has seen first hand benefits of the money raised.

The donors give Goodwin a lift in spirit, as well.

People seem to know that times are tough, and they open up their wallets as much as possible, he said.

Some of the folks who contribute say they have been served by the Salvation Army in the past and want to help out now that they can.

But there is a problem.

As the holiday season gets busier, there is a shortage of bell ringers.

The Salvation Army has put out the SOS, asking people to volunteer some time, promising it will be a valuable experience.

"We are in need of bell ringers," said Trina Crawford, director of social services for the Havre Salvation Army.

Bell ringers are stationed daily at Kmart, Holiday Village Mall and Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods.

Crawford said community groups have signed up to help, and entire families have volunteered.

People can sign up for any length of time that is convenient, she said.